What exactly is telework?

If you have been looking for work-from-home opportunities, but don’t know where to start in your job search, consider exploring telework roles. These are remote jobs that utilize modern telecommunication techniques to complete tasks. Since the Covid-19 lockdowns, telework has surged in popularity. If you think telework could be for you, this guide contains everything you need to know about teleworking, from its benefits and challenges to tips and tricks on how to be an effective teleworker.

What is telework?

Telework refers to the practice of working in remote locations that are not official office spaces. Remote employees carry out job duties by using modern telecommunication methods. In other words, as long as you have a phone line or active Wi-Fi connection, you can be a successful telework employee.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was necessary to establish alternative worksites. However, what started out as compliance with government regulations and public policy soon began to yield benefits in the form of increased employee productivity and reduced overhead. As a result, many companies have now integrated telework into their business models.

Increase your productivity with telework

What is the difference between remote work and telework?

Remote work incorporates roles where employees never come to work in an office location. Every single element of their job can be done away from a central office or branch. Telework, on the other hand, does involve occasionally meeting team members in an office building. Although the majority of telework is done remotely, employees sometimes meet to undergo training or other important in-person activities.

What are the benefits of teleworking?

Teleworking comes with numerous benefits. From allowing employees more freedom in their personal life to cutting overhead costs for your business, implementing teleworking can help ensure the success of your company.

Flexible work arrangement

Many employees find the prospect of telework extremely attractive as it affords them a flexible work arrangement. As a result, they benefit from a healthy work-life balance, thereby increasing their productivity in the workplace.

Lower overhead costs

Overhead costs can significantly affect a company’s bottom line. The good news is that they can be reduced. When your employees are not in a centralized coworking space, you don’t have to pay for all the costs associated with the upkeep of these locations. You can therefore save money on rent, energy, and maintenance costs. As a result, you can maximize profits without having to cut down on staff.

Reduced costs for employees

In addition to saving businesses money, teleworking can also be beneficial to employees’ wallets. There are many costs associated with going to work every day, from paying for gas to spending money on lunch. It is much cheaper to work from home than it is to go to work every day.

Reduced likelihood of workplace conflict

When you have a large group of people working in a single office space, it is inevitable that there are going to be arguments and disagreements among employees. With remote employees, you don’t have to worry about such altercations. Since teleworkers occasionally meet in person, they can build connections with colleagues without having to deal with the pressure and stress that comes with seeing those people every day. This contributes towards the creation of a healthier work environment.

Learn more about the benefits of remote work

What are some of the challenges of teleworking?

Distractions

When you are working from home, there are many distractions which can make it difficult to focus. It is therefore important to minimize these and create a healthy work routine.

Technical problems

When you rely on technology for your job, you need to be prepared for things to go wrong. Whether it’s a dodgy phone service or unreliable Wi-Fi, it’s virtually impossible to do your job without a reliable connection.

Isolation

Although working alone can be beneficial, it can also be isolating at times. If you are considering accepting a teleworking role, you need to be comfortable spending time with yourself, as you won’t have regular interactions with colleagues.

What factors do you need to consider with regard to telework?

Both businesses and employees need to take into account certain factors when implementing a teleworking system.

Employers

Do you have the technological capability?

Can you provide adequate education and training?

Can you afford to transition to telework?

Are your roles suited to telework?

Employees

Do you have the discipline to be able to manage your own time?

Are you confident working on your own?

How good is your connectivity?

Do you have access to the right technology?

Is your home or remote environment a good workspace?

How do you successfully telework?

Create a routine

Routine is essential when you are working from home. Since you have nowhere to be and no one to report to in person, it can be tempting to roll out of bed at 12 pm and do little work during the day. In order to prevent this from happening and ensure that you stay on track, you should treat your work-from-home schedule just as you would a regular working routine. Get up at the same time every day, have lunch at the same time, and finish at the same time. That way, you create a structured workday, thereby making it easier to focus on your daily tasks.

Create to-do lists

To-do lists are brilliant tools that you can use to ensure that you get all your work done by the end of the day. Simply jot down everything you need to do in a day, and tick off each task as you go along. This simple action will not only help you get your tasks done, but will also give you a boost of confidence.

Keep in touch with colleagues

It can feel isolating when you are at home all day. This is why it helps to regularly communicate with your team. As your colleagues are in the same position as you, it helps to talk to them about your work life.

Hire remote workers

If you think your business could benefit from telework, TelUp can help you hire remote workers. Hiring employees internally can slow down your business’s growth, which is why TelUp is dedicated to helping you find the best remote employees. Our extensive database of job seekers allows us to expertly match the right potential employees with your business. We handpick individuals who are guaranteed to seamlessly fit into your company culture.

We can find employees for any role that can be performed remotely. Here are just a few of the many positions that we can filll: