Remote Work: Advantages and Disadvantages of the New Trend Working Model

What is the difference between remote and home office?

By 2020 at the latest, home offices were fully or partially integrated into everyday working life in German companies almost overnight. Due to isolation and other Corona measures, most people worked from home if their job and equipment permitted it. Since then, the working model has become indispensable, as it offers a number of advantages, including a better work-life balance. When working from home, the working hours and activities do not differ from those in the office, only the place where they are carried out is different. This is exactly the big difference to remote work. Here you work neither time nor location. The activities and the length of work remain the same, but whether you split a 40-hour work week into 4 or 6 days, whether you're more the type to sleep in or get up early, it's all up to you. The only important thing is that the output is correct. Of course, you can also work remotely from home, but just as well in the Italian sun or the northern lights in the far north. Mobile working is therefore often used as a synonym. There are different versions of the model within mobile working.

Remote work models

There are basically two different forms of the trend model:

Full remote working

Full remote working, as the name suggests, involves working exclusively outside the company. In theory, you can work anywhere in the world. Whenever you want. Wherever you want. These traveling workers are also known as digital nomads. As a fully remote worker, you only need suitable work equipment and stable internet. This has already been done with a laptop, a headset and a mobile router with an appropriate tariff. However, it should be noted that you must also observe the regulations that apply abroad. With the remote model, you often only get to know your colleagues and superiors online. As a result, the team spirit and connection to the company can suffer.

Alternating remote working

While full remote working allows you to work regardless of location and time, the alternating remote work model is only part-time remote. Here the employer sets fixed times during which you have to work in the office. Nevertheless, during remote days, unlike when working from home, you can decide where and when you want to work. This type of remote work is ideal, for example, if you prefer to take short trips often without using all of your vacation days. Finally, work with a laptop can also be done in a café or a mountain hut. 

Advantages and challenges

Like any working model, remote work also has various advantages and disadvantages for employees and employers.

What seems rosy for employees at first glance usually also has a downside. One of the biggest advantages that remote work brings is the better balance between professional and private life. This happens not least because of the elimination of the journey, its costs and the longer sleep. However, it is precisely this compatibility that can also be seen as a challenge, as for many people the boundaries between professional and private life seem to blur. Nevertheless, the majority of remote workers perceive it as extra free time and appreciation from the company. The flexibility makes it possible to change where you work at lunchtime and, for example, continue working in a café and then have a chat with your best friend afterwards or during a break. Employees with children or pets in particular can manage their everyday lives better through remote work. 

Remote work can also be a real advantage for the environment, as there are fewer CO2 emissions due to the elimination of the commute. You also come into contact with people less and are less likely to get sick. However, this can also be perceived as social isolation and thus represent a disadvantage. If you isolate yourself further in your private life, the chance of falling into depression increases. Another disadvantage of remote work for employees is the tendency to work while sick. If someone is sick and wouldn't go to the office because of it, remote work makes it tempting not to go to the doctor and work instead.

Another possible challenge is workplace equipment. While an ergonomic office chair, a height-adjustable desk and several screens are often waiting for the employee in the office, with the concept of mobile working the work equipment does not have to be provided by the employer. Working at a kitchen table or in a beach lounger can be harmful to your physical health in the long term.

For a better overview, we have summarized all the advantages and challenges for employees below: 

But remote work doesn't just have positive and negative effects for employees. The company itself can also benefit from remote work. Not least because employees are happier and feel valued. And happier employees are more productive and work more effectively while at the same time increasing loyalty to the company. Even simply offering the opportunity to work remotely increases employee loyalty enormously. Another advantage that arises from the working model is the elimination of some costs in the company. This means that less electricity and water are used and there are also fewer parking spaces required. Relieving the burden on the environment by reducing CO2 emissions also helps companies do good for the climate. Remote work is also beneficial for health as employees are less exposed to viruses and benefit from more sleep. This leads to fewer absences due to illness within the company. In times of shortage of skilled workers etc., remote work is also a benefit. This means that specialists and specialists can be recruited from almost anywhere. 

It has now become clear that working remotely has advantages. However, there are also challenges to be overcome here. One of the disadvantages is the associated loss of control. You must trust employees to do their work correctly, as it is difficult to verify the work actually done. It is also more difficult to find dates for joint meetings. Working in a team on joint projects is also made more difficult by the flexibility. Here it is a good idea to meet and talk regularly in online meetings.

Who works remotely?

It is clear that remote work has positive and negative effects on both the employee and employer side. However, if you are now thinking about only working remotely, the next step should be to consider whether it is even possible to carry out your job completely remotely. The following professions, among others, are qualified for remote working:

• Content Manager (copywriter, blogger, translator)
• Graphic designer
• Web Designer & UX Designer
• IT (programming & development)
• Online marketers
• SEO Manager (Search Engine Optimization)
• Consultant (coaching etc.)
• Market researcher
• Analyst
• Various agency jobs
• Freelancer

These are just a few examples. Nowadays, almost every job that takes place on a laptop can also be carried out remotely. In contrast, there are also jobs that cannot be carried out on the move. Some examples include construction workers, kindergarten teachers and doctors. For the latter, there is now the option of an online consultation when it comes to illnesses such as a cold or similar, where patients do not necessarily have to be on site to be examined for the diagnosis.

How do you work successfully on the move?

In order to be successful at remote work, the person must have various soft skills, among other things. One of the most important values ​​is honesty. For example, the employee should correctly indicate the working hours worked and not clock in and then go swimming or something similar. It is also important that the worker works in an organized manner and has a certain degree of self-discipline. After all, there are a number of distractions, both at home and elsewhere, that can be more or less very tempting. To counteract possible distractions, core working hours and routines in everyday work can help. This means you have fixed times when certain things have to be done, even while working mobile.

What needs to be taken into account when working remotely?

In order for the remote work working model trend to work, the framework conditions should be clarified beforehand and the following aspects should be taken into account.

Technical equipment: For effective remote work, employees need access to a stable internet connection and the necessary technical devices. The software and appropriate tools for communication and collaboration are also important.

Working time regulations: Making clear agreements on availability and accessibility to avoid misunderstandings is essential for promoting a good working atmosphere. One option for partial remote employment is to agree on and adhere to core working hours.

Data protection and data security: Comprehensive measures to protect company data and customer data are essential. Data security and data protection must be guaranteed at all times.

Health and ergonomics: The remote work environment should be ergonomically designed to avoid health problems. 

Communication and exchange: Make sure that colleagues talk to each other. Remote work requires special efforts to enable good communication and regular exchange between employees. 

What do I need for mobile working?

Depending on which location you want to work remotely from, the items you need will differ. However, what is essential for remote work is always a laptop, a stable internet connection and, ideally, a headset for unproblematic and interference-free communication. If you want to work mobile constantly while traveling, you need a mobile router with a corresponding contract and places with sufficient reception. If you prefer to work in cafés or co-working spaces, there is usually good internet reception here. However, if you prefer to work from home, it is advisable to set up a suitable workstation. 

Ergonomic workplace equipment promotes your productivity as well as your physical and mental health. A good one Office chair has top priority. It promotes a healthy sitting posture and relieves strain on your supporting system. Additionally, work on one height-adjustable desk, you can quickly and easily change your working posture while working and also work while standing. This brings movement into your everyday working life, which in turn has a positive effect on your health and work.

If you don't have the opportunity to set up a home office within your four walls, there are various ways in which a pop-up office can be integrated into your interior. A are also suitable for this Folding desk or a Wall secretary. With the right equipment, nothing stands in the way of a successful remote work day.

Even with remote work, the employer is fundamentally obliged to provide the necessary work equipment. Providing a laptop and prohibiting private use of the device also has data protection reasons. So discuss with your employer in advance the extent to which you are allowed to use the work laptop.

Remote work also has some legal points that need to be taken into account. If you would like to work from abroad, the question arises as to whether you can remain registered in Germany. To avoid double taxation, there is the 183-day rule. This means that employees who exceed this limit are usually also taxed in the country of residence. But this in turn depends heavily on the country or place of work. 
It is therefore advisable to discuss details and agreements in detail with the employer beforehand and to record them in writing. 

In order for remote work to establish itself in the company and be well received by employees, a few aspects should be taken into account. Transparency and communication play a crucial role, also to ensure that there is no unrest between on-site workers and mobile workers. The following points can help you introduce remote work as a working model:

• Clearly define who in the company can work remotely and why.
• Clearly define the framework conditions for remote work.
• Make sure you have the right work equipment.
• Promote “personal” contact, for example by regularly scheduling video calls.
• Organize company events and team building measures, even independently of remote work.
• Only retain and hire employees you can trust.
• First start a test phase

Conclusion: What does it mean to work remotely?

In today's digital world, alternative forms of work such as remote work are becoming increasingly relevant. Thanks to our level of technology, it is possible to work from almost anywhere in many professions. However, this only applies to positions and areas of activity that can be carried out on a purely mobile basis from a laptop and can be organized independently of time. Remote work offers many advantages for employees and employers, but also challenges that need to be overcome. Basically, remote work, provided it is implemented correctly, is a win for both parties. Open communication and transparency are the key to success.