Remote Work: What You Need To Know & FAQs | Friday.app

Remote Work Guides & FAQ

Learn how to do your best work from anywhere. Get your remote work questions answered with these comprehensive articles.

Remote Work Friday

What is Remote Work?

Remote work can be defined as a work arrangement in which an employee performs his or her job outside a physical office. Employees who work remotely may be situated in a different building or state from the rest of the company, or they may be working from home.

In order to work remotely, employees usually need to have some equipment at home, which could include a computer and phone. Many companies offer secure ways of logging in to databases or other important company databases. Remote work is often considered to be a subset of telecommuting, which is defined as work performed by employees outside of the office using an electronic device. Telecommuting, however, often involves more hybrid ways of working--such as someone being out of the office for a few days at a time.

But remote work is not necessarily about working from home (WFH) or being a digital nomad skipping across the globe. Remote work is about flexible work.

The power of the remote work movement is about creating flexibility in the way you work.

Remote work is a means to an end.

What Are Remote Jobs Like?

Remote jobs can be very different depending on the company you work for.

But overall, remote jobs provide flexibility. Flexibility to live in a location that makes the most sense for you and your family. Flexibility to leave work early and pick up your child from daycare. Flexibility to take a break at lunch and work out. Flexibility to start working at 5am if you want, while your coworker decides they'd rather work at 8pm at night.

There are challenges to remote work with lots of Zoom meetings and fear about who is actually working and who's not. It can also be very lonely, home is more distracting than you think, and collaboration takes extra effort. The vast majority of remote workers are freelancers, and so they may work from home in isolation. They have little to no connection to anyone else, and this can be a lonely experience. Remote jobs also come with their own set of unique challenges such as finding motivation and maintaining focus.

What Do I Need to Work Remotely? 

 There are a few key skills that allow you to work remotely. These include: self-motivation, self-discipline, and an ability to manage your own workload.

You’ll also need to be able to communicate effectively with your colleagues and clients, as well as be available by phone or internet. It may sound obvious, but you actually must have a computer and an internet connection in order to do your job!

Can You Work Remotely from Anywhere? 

 Technically, you can work remotely from anywhere with an internet connection and a computer, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best idea. Working remotely from home is a great option, but there are other options. Co-working spaces are an excellent alternative to working from home, as they provide the social interaction that is often missing from remote jobs. Many others pursue a "digital nomad" lifestyle and travel frequently. But even if you don't travel full-time, you can still work from other locations or while visiting family. Companies with remote-first mindsets make this easier. There is also a wide availability of freelancing tools for individuals and businesses.

Does Remote Mean Work from Home?   

 No, you can work remotely from anywhere. Home is the most common setting for remote work, as it’s convenient and comfortable. You may also work remotely from a co-working space, which is more social and professional than working from home. It’s also a great way to keep your job and personal life separate.

Why Is Remote Work Better for Companies? 

 Companies with remote workers will often save money on renting office space, which is a huge cost for many businesses. They are also able to hire and retain employees who can’t relocate for a job, whether it’s due to family commitments or because they don’t want to uproot their life. They also empower their employees to have a more flexible work lifestyle, allowing them to prioritize their life and family, in conjunction with work.

Do Remote Jobs Pay Less?

This depends on your location and the job you’re applying for. It also depends on the type of work you do. But there's also a shift happening to where the best talent will probably want to work more remotely, because of the flexibility. Over time, payment will begin to stabilize.

Do People Like Working Remotely? 

The vast majority of people enjoy working remotely. Many of these people have a remote job as their primary source of income, and so they spend a lot of time at home. For them, it’s a lifestyle. The remote work lifestyle is rewarding, as you can travel frequently and live in exotic locations without sacrificing your career.

Remote Work Articles & Resources

Check out these top articles on remote work and get your questions answered.

What is causing the rise of remote work?

Understand the factors that are driving the rise of distributed work, beyond COVIID-19.

Read post

What are the roadblocks to remote work?

Why don't more companies work remotely? See top reasons.

Read post

How do you build relationships remotely?

It's tough to get to know people, but there are ways to make it easier.

Read post

How does scheduling affect remote work?

The manager's schedule is holding back remote work. Read why.

Read post

How can you have great remote team meetings?

See how you can run more effective meetings as a distributed team.

Read post

How do we communicate as a remote team?

Understand challenges when communicating as a remote team.

Read post

How do you lead a distributed team?

Learn how to lead a remote team (without micromanaging)

Read post

What are the best books on remote work?

See our top book recommendations for distributed work.

Read post

What are the best remote software tools for teams?

Our top software picks for improving the remote work experience.

Read post

What is the x-factor of a high-performing distributed team?

Discover how to have a team that performs well while

Read post

How do you implement remote work at your company?

We are writing an honest book on remote work.

Read post

What are the challenges to remote work?

There are downsides to working remotely. Read more in this guide.

Read post

Why does communication need to be redudant with remote work?

Learn more about communication redundancy works in this guide.

Read post

What's the best way to have a remote company retreat?

Trying to figure out the best way to hold a meetup? We have some tips.

Read post

Why synchronous stand-ups are a waste of time.

Real-time standups are a waste of time for remote teams. Here's why.

Read post

Async vs Sync: Why Being Remote Changes Everything

Our environment dictates how we communicate at work. Learn why.

Read post

Do teams need a virtual offie?

We don't think so.

Read post

Why are distributed companies building their own intranet?

There's a gap in the communication stack. Traditional intranet software doesn't get the remote work shift.

Read post

What's your remote communication process?

It's not enough to install Slack & Zoom. You need process too.

Read post

How do you build trust with a remote team?

Trust is the foundation of effective work.

Read post

What are the top fully remote companies?

Find companies that understand the best practices for remote teams

Read post

What are the trends and statistics for remote work?

Learn about what is happening statistically in the world of remote work.

Read more

Read The Anywhere Operating System

Understand how to implement remote work best practices with this book by Friday CEO & Founder, Luke Thomas. Available on Amazon, YouTube, Spotify, and in blog format.

The Anywhere Operating System Friday remote work

Make Remote Work For Your Company

Friday is the async remote operating system for individuals & top companies.