How to Work from Home: A Complete Guide to Remote Work

Once a rarity, working from home has become mainstream in recent years. Many companies have discovered the benefits of broadening their pool of prospective hires. Many employees are demanding the flexibility that remote work provides as they seek work-life balance. In fact, more than a third of the global workforce is now fully remote (7.9%) or works from home some of the time (25.6%), according to a WFHResearch survey.

Given the changing employment landscape, including mass layoffs and scarcity of local opportunities, many job seekers are exploring remote work opportunities for the first time. This comprehensive guide aims to provide insights about working from home and actionable tips to find and apply for remote jobs with confidence.

What is Remote Work?

Remote work is a work arrangement, also known as telecommuting or work-from-home, that allows employees to perform job duties outside of a traditional office environment. Remote employees can work from home, in a coworking space, or any other location with internet access.

The rise of digital technology and communication tools has made working from home more feasible and popular in recent years, which presents both pros and cons for employees and employers.

Work-From-Home Benefits

For Employees:

• Improved Work-Life Balance: Remote work allows employees to manage their personal and professional lives better, reducing stress and burnout. It can increase employee happiness by as much as 20% (Forbes).
• Cost Savings: Working from home eliminates commuting costs and reduces expenses related to work attire, eating out, etc. FlexJobs estimates remote workers can save $6,000 annually on average.
• Increased Productivity: Many remote workers report higher productivity due to fewer distractions, reduced commute times, and the ability to create a personalized work environment. A study by Stanford University found that remote workers are 13% more productive than their in-office counterparts. Still, research is mixed here and depends on various factors (OwlLabs).

For Employers:

• Wider Talent Pool: Remote work enables companies to hire top talent regardless of geographic location, which can lead to a more diverse and skilled workforce.
• Reduced Overhead Costs: Companies can save on office space, utilities, and other expenses associated with maintaining a physical workspace. Global Workplace Analytics estimates that employers can save an average of $11,000 per year for each employee who works remotely half of the time.
• Higher Employee Retention: Offering remote work options can increase employee satisfaction and reduce turnover rates. Employees who can work from home are more likely to stay with their employer long-term.

Work-From-Home Challenges

For Employees:

• Loneliness: Working from home can lead to feelings of isolation or disconnection from colleagues. Stay connected through regular virtual meetings, team-building activities, and social interactions outside work.
• Distractions: Home environments can be filled with distractions, such as family members, pets, and household chores. Establish a dedicated workspace and set boundaries to minimize these interruptions.
• Technology Issues: Reliable internet access and equipment are crucial for remote work, and any issues can disrupt productivity. To mitigate these problems, build backup plans (e.g., where to go if internet access goes down at home) and stay current on the latest tools and software.

For Employers:

• Communication: Maintaining clear and effective communication in remote or hybrid work environments can be challenging. Use collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, JIRA, Monday.com) and set clear communication protocols to bridge the gap.
• Monitoring Performance: Ensuring accountability and monitoring outcomes can be tricky without in-person interactions. Establish clear performance metrics and perform regular check-ins to keep employees on track.
• Security Risks: Remote work can increase the risk of data breaches and other security issues. Employers should provide cybersecurity training and establish secure communication channels to protect sensitive information.

Work-From-Home Alternatives: Freelance vs. Traditional Employment

Job seekers who want to work from home have two primary choices. They can find companies that offer these positions, or they can pursue self-employment options.

Working for Yourself

Freelancing is a popular form of remote work where individuals deliver services to clients on a contractual basis rather than working for the company as a direct employee. This option can involve setting up a formal, stand-alone company or working as an independent contractor to provide skills and expertise on a freelance, fractional or consultant basis.

Working for an Employer

Many companies offer work-from-home opportunities, including full-time remote positions or hybrid roles that combine remote and in-office work. Working remotely for an employer provides more stability and benefits compared to freelancing, but it may come with less flexibility.

Pros and Cons of Traditional vs. Self-Employment

The opportunity to choose between working for an employer directly or branching out into freelance/independent contractor roles depends on individual skill sets, experience, and market demand for that expertise. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

How to Work From Home Successfully

Transitioning from an in-office environment to working from home can be challenging and rewarding. Here are a few considerations to ensure success.

Employer Expectations

Before accepting a remote position, get a clear understanding of expectations. For example, are you expected to work set hours, or is your schedule flexible? What equipment (e.g., laptop, monitor) will the employer provide? Does the company reimburse expenses, like internet and cell phone service, or are these out-of-pocket costs? Also, ask about how performance will be measured and evaluated. Knowing the expectations and goals will help with focus and motivation.

Functional Workspace

Create a dedicated home office focused on productivity. Select a spot in your home that's free from noise and distractions. This could be a separate room or a designated corner in a larger space. Just make sure there's good lighting. Natural light is ideal, but if that's not an option, use bright, non-glare lighting to reduce eye strain. Also, invest in ergonomic furniture. People who transition to working from home often skip this step, but getting a comfortable chair and desk is money well spent. 

Technological Needs

Reliable technology is the backbone of remote work. A stable, fast internet connection is essential. Consider upgrading to a high-speed plan and using a wired connection for better reliability. Most companies will provide the computer equipment and software needed, but be sure to ask about security protocols (e.g., VPN or two-factor authentication requirements) and preferred communication tools (e.g., instant messaging, video calls). Also, have a backup plan for internet or power outages, such as a mobile hotspot, spare batteries, or an alternate location to work.

Boundary Setting

Establish clear boundaries with friends and family. Communicate work hours to help manage expectations and minimize interruptions. Consider using a "do not disturb" sign during important calls and meetings or when a deadline is looming. Also, ensure pets have toys or activities during work hours. Of course, taking time throughout the day to attend to their needs can provide a few well-needed breaks—one of the perks of working from home. 

Create a Routine

Maintaining focus can be challenging when working from home. Establish a daily routine to provide structure to your workday. Consistent start and end times can help with organization and time management and prevent burnout from working too many hours. Remote workers often struggle to shut down from work since they never technically leave the office. Carving out time limits and a dedicated space can fend off workaholic tendencies. Also, use tools like time trackers, task managers, and noise-cancelling headphones to enhance focus.

How To Get a Remote Job

While many companies have incorporated working from home into their workforce, and some have even gone fully remote (16% according to Forbes), its adoption isn't universal. Here are a few of the types of companies and roles that are leading the pack.

Beware of Remote Work Scams

Unfortunately, the rise in remote work has also grabbed the attention of scammers. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Unsolicited Job Offers: Be wary of job offers you didn't apply for. Legitimate employers typically follow a formal hiring process.

• Upfront Fees: Legitimate employers will never ask for money upfront for equipment or training. Be cautious of any job offer that requires payment before starting work.

• Too Good to Be True: If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research the company to verify its legitimacy. Look for reviews from current or former employees.

Applying for Remote Jobs

It's essential to tailor resumes and cover letters when applying for any role. Still, remote jobs offer several opportunities to customize applications to show off relevant skills and experience, including: 

• Highlighting previous remote work experience. Note "remote" beside relevant roles on your resume or LinkedIn profile.

• Demonstrating proficiency in tools and technologies commonly used in remote-work environments, such as Slack, Teams, video conferencing, and project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Asana, Trello).

• Emphasizing soft skills, such as time management, communication, and self-motivation.

Preparing for Remote Interviews

Screening for most remote jobs is conducted via video interviews, which require additional considerations beyond their onsite counterparts. Here are a few video interview tips: 

• Test Technology: Ensure your computer, camera, microphone, and internet connection are working properly. Conduct a test call to check for any technical issues.

• Choose a Professional Background: Select a tidy, neutral background for your video call. Avoid distractions and ensure good lighting.

• Dress Professionally: Wear appropriate attire as you would for an onsite interview. 

• Practice Answers: Prepare for popular interview questions with examples to demonstrate skills and experience. If it's a pre-recorded interview, practice timing your responses to build confidence.

Check out Mastering the Art of the Digital Interview for additional guidance.

Wrapping Up

Working from home offers numerous benefits, including improved work-life balance, cost savings, increased productivity, and the opportunity to work for companies outside your local area. However, remote work isn't for everyone. Home environment, technology constraints, and preferences for face-to-face interactions can all play a role in whether remote work is a good fit. Take an honest self-assessment of your strengths and weaknesses to determine which option – fully remote, hybrid, or traditional in-office – is best for you.