Defining remote work

'Fully remote' working is:

• work completed outside the workplace
• often called working from home, remote working or telecommuting
• allowing employees to complete tasks and projects at home without the daily commute to work
• negotiated between the employer and employee, and aims to provide work/life balance.

Types of fully remote working

Fully remote employees carry out their duties entirely outside the traditional workplace environment. This model is characterised by:

• home-based working – work is completed using employer-provided resources and an employee's home internet service
• location independence – employees may have approval to work full-time from remote locations which gives them geographic flexibility
• organisational structures – supports remote working and ensures effective communication and productivity regardless of where employees are located
• job or role suitability – certain types of jobs can be completed entirely online without attending the workplace (e.g. digital marketing, web design, software development, call centres).

Hybrid or flexible working

Unlike fully remote work which is completed entirely away from the workplace, hybrid or flexible work arrangements offers a more adaptable approach by blending remote work with traditional workplace arrangements. This model is characterised by:

• flexible job arrangements – employee works from home on certain days and attends the workplace on other days, as negotiated between the employer and employee
• transition flexibility – employees in office-based roles can shift to flexible work arrangements, depending on their role's adaptability to remote work.

Read more about flexible working, including:

• Managing flexible working arrangements
• Workplace flexibility – to support diverse and innovative workforces
• Workplace flexibility toolkit – guidance material for managers and workers.

Benefits of fully remote working

Employer benefits

Increased productivity – employees:

• like working remotely as they are often more productive, and may be willing to work longer hours as they won't need to commute to the workplace
• may put in more effort and complete tasks more efficiently which leads to better outcomes for your business
• provide business continuity
• have less need to travel to the workplace.

Incentives – offering remote work arrangements can be an additional incentive which may boost individual employee performance.

Cost savings – employing a full or partially remote team could substantially reduce overhead costs (e.g. hiring/purchasing office furniture, equipment, supplies, reduce lease/rent).

Happier workers:

• have higher job satisfaction and engagement, resulting in greater staff retention rates
• are more connected and committed to the team which can enhance business growth.

Increased job satisfaction – employees with flexible working options are more likely to:

• endorse their employer
• demonstrate loyalty
• contribute extra effort when needed.

Attraction and retention of knowledge, skills, and experience:

• offering flexible work can help to reduce staff turnover and retain valuable employee expertise and knowledge
• can attract a broader, more diverse talent pool and build a robust future talent pool.

Employee benefits

Cost and time efficiency:

• significantly reduce or eliminate commuting time
• reduces work-related expenses (e.g. lunches/snacks, clothing, public transport, parking fees).

Balanced work and personal life:

• improve work/life balance
• provides benefits for workers with family responsibilities or disabilities (and dependents with disabilities), and helps to manage life's demands more effectively.

Wellbeing and mental health – improved mental health and well-being is linked to employee autonomy and flexibility provided by remote or flexible work arrangements.

Attractive, supportive working environment – employers who offer remote or flexible work demonstrate their commitment to evolving work trends and employee wellbeing, making them more attractive to current and prospective employees.