Remote work had been gaining popularity prior to the pandemic, but its prominence skyrocketed in 2020 due to office closures and the widespread adoption of the work from home model by millions of individuals.
There are numerous benefits of remote work and remote first work for both employees and employers. It is not surprising that an increasing number of organizations are including it as a permanent perk in their contracts.
What’s remote work?
Remote work is a flexible working style that enables professionals to adapt and work in non-traditional office settings.
The main idea behind remote work is that it allows employees to work on their tasks from any location, whether it be their home, a co-working space, or a private office.
Furthermore, remote work offers individuals a substantial amount of flexibility and enables them to achieve a healthier blend of work and personal life, ultimately resulting in enhanced productivity.
Why do people work remotely?
Convenience is the most common reason why people work remotely, although there are many other reasons as well.
When considering the matter thoughtfully, it is particularly applicable to family members who have young children and/or elderly individuals in need of care. Furthermore, over 60% of younger employees express a preference for working remotely on a regular basis and utilizing video conferencing tools instead of commuting to the office daily.
When considering everything, the issue ultimately revolves around the advantages and disadvantages of remote work. And without a doubt, the advantages are far more significant.
Working remotely offers employees several significant advantages including increased flexibility, reduced commuting time, and additional quality time to spend with loved ones.
However, what truly makes remote work appealing worldwide is that employers have much to benefit from as well. They not only have access to the same advantages as employees, but they also experience increased employee productivity and reduced operating costs.
Let’s examine them in more depth.
What are the benefits of remote working?
There are plenty of advantages to remote working for both employees and employers.
An increasing number of companies are seeking to cut costs on office rental and utility bills, as well as reduce their carbon footprint.
Simultaneously, workers seek increased authority over their professional and personal affairs.
Furthermore, according to certain studies, individuals who work remotely exhibit higher productivity levels and experience reduced stress due to the absence of continuous distractions in their surroundings.
On the flip side, employers observe a reduction in absences and an increase in dedication to the job.
With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the advantages that remote work offers to both employees and employers.
Embrace flexibility
Being able to work remotely allows for the flexibility to choose your own working hours, enabling you to take a nap during the day, pick up your children from school, or commence your tasks as early as 5 am, if desired.
In addition, it assists individuals in finding their rhythm with their work approach.
People have different productive periods, either being late at night or early in the morning. By adhering to their preferred schedule, individuals are able to enhance their productivity and efficiency.
Remote workers have the freedom to set their own schedule, take breaks as needed, and choose their lunchtime at any unconventional hour.
Empower productivity
The productivity is significantly impacted and increased by the flexibility of working remotely.
There are still orthodox mindsets that hold the belief that if you work remotely, it implies that you lack the motivation and responsibility required to hold a traditional job.
However, pretty much every survey and research on the topic comes to the same conclusion – remote workers report higher job satisfaction and stronger work commitment. And that naturally leads to higher productivity levels.
During a set 8-hour shift schedule, individuals frequently experience periods of low energy. This is the time of day when we all feel the need for a coffee. Remote working resolves this problem by allowing people to determine when they have the highest energy levels for concentrating on finishing their tasks, and it eliminates the critical gazes of colleagues in the office.
Why Freelancing is perfect for travelers
With freelancing, you have unparalleled flexibility that cannot be achieved in traditional 9-to-5 jobs. As a freelancer, you are unrestricted in terms of where you work, whether it be a charming café in Paris or a serene bungalow by the beach in Bali. The need to ask for time off or eagerly anticipate vacation days is eliminated with freelancing. Embracing freelancing allows you to turn the entire world into your workplace!
Before embarking on your dream trip, there are certain factors that freelancers who desire to explore the globe should take into account. Let’s delve into some crucial advice.
Plan Ahead
Although freelancing offers the advantage of flexibility, it is crucial to make advance plans before traveling. It is important to conduct thorough research on your chosen destination, understand the visa regulations, and ensure a dependable internet connection. Take my word for it, you definitely do not want to be frantically searching for Wi-Fi while facing a deadline!
Build a Strong Client Base
In order to start your travel adventures, it is essential to possess a reliable group of clients. Develop connections with your clients and inform them about your travel plans ahead of time. By doing so, they will be aware of what to anticipate and any possible scheduling conflicts can be resolved.
Embrace Time Zone Differences
When traveling, it can be difficult to meet deadlines and schedule client calls due to crossing multiple time zones. However, it is important to embrace the time differences and establish a routine that suits you. In order to manage this challenge, you may need to adjust your working hours or communicate clearly with your clients about how and when to connect.
Stay Productive on the Road
When traveling, it can be challenging to concentrate on work due to the multitude of new experiences. To maintain productivity, establish a designated workspace in every location you visit. This could be a co-working area, a secluded section in a coffee shop, or even a relaxing spot on the beach like a hammock. Find a suitable spot that enables you to concentrate and accomplish your tasks.
Take Time to Explore
Although work is essential, it is crucial to remember to take the time to discover your environment. One of the major advantages of freelancing and traveling is the ability to fully engage in diverse cultures and enjoy new experiences. Therefore, it is important to deliberately plan breaks and provide yourself with the chance to forge indelible memories.
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