It’s easy to associate remote work with telework, but are they of one nature?
Remote work and telework are working styles that provide an opportunity for employees to work outside the main office.
However, a remote worker can work from anywhere in the globe, while a teleworker has to reside near the office building.
Remote work vs. telework — What’s the difference between the two? Let’s go into detail!
Remote Work
Remote work, otherwise known as work-from-home, is the practice of working in a location outside the corporate office building.
A remote employee can work permanently in his private office, shared space, or home. He isn’t anywhere near the official site and may even reside in another country.
Thus, this kind of working style allows employees to work comfortably and be completely free from the hassle of regular transportation.
Pros
- Saves commuting costs and time
- Increased flexibility in work schedule
- Freedom in alternating work location
Cons
- Poor connection and miscommunication
- Difficulty in focusing on work
- Increased feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Less supervision
Telework
Similar to remote work, telework is an arrangement that enables employees to carry out their tasks and responsibilities outside the office building.
Typically, the supervisor approves the alternative workstation and the number of days a teleworker will work each pay period.
A teleworking employee, though, needs to report to the official workplace. Thus, he should be geographically near the central office.
Pros
- Better balance in work and personal commitments
- Better communication with the employer
- Increased productivity
- Increased job satisfaction
Cons
- Hassle in commuting or driving to the office
- Less flexibility compared to remote work
Remote Work Vs. Telework – Main Differences
Here are the main differences between these two working set ups:
#1. Official Worksite
The official workstation of remote work employees is their home. Whereas, the official workstation of teleworkers is their agency worksite.
#2. Working Hours
Working hours are typically not fixed in remote work so employees can work at their own pace.
In teleworking, employees have to work in their employer’s time zone and at a fixed schedule.
#3. Type Of Communication
Communication under a remote work setup is usually asynchronous and doesn’t need scheduling. Meaning, a remote worker may not respond immediately to messages or calls.
Conversely, scheduled communication takes place in teleworking. The employees need to stay in contact during working hours through phone, video, or in-person communication.
#4. Manner Of Reporting To Office
In a remote work setup, employers don’t normally require their employees to report to the office.
Teleworkers, however, may have to report to the main office on some days for briefings or regular meetings.
#5. Equipment
The remote worker typically covers the costs of remote work equipment. Conversely, employers in teleworking may provide their employees with essential equipment.
Remote Work Vs. Telework – Wrap Up
Remote work allows employees to work permanently outside of the central office. Distance is typically not an issue, as an employer may hire someone from overseas.
Telework requires employees to report to the office often. Thus, a teleworker should reside near the traditional workplace.
