Telework vs. remote work: which is best for you?
Even better, what’s the difference between telework and remote work?
I’ve been a remote worker for years. Join me as I unravel the difference between remote work and telework.
My pro tip: Don’t forget to grab my free quiz at the end of this article. It’ll help you choose between remote work and telework.
Ready? Let’s roll.
Telecommuting Vs. Remote Work: The Differences At A Glance
I know many people use “telecommuting” (or telework) and “remote work” interchangeably. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are a few distinct differences. Check out this handy table:
Header | Telework | Remote Work |
|---|---|---|
Definition | Like hybrid remote work, telework is where employees work from home or another location for part of the week but are expected to be in the office for the remainder. | Remote work is when employees work from a location of their choice, anywhere in the world, and they do not have to commute to a traditional office environment. |
Location Flexibility | Telework offers limited location flexibility. It often requires employees to live within a commutable distance from the office. | Location flexibility is excellent. Employees can live and work remotely. You can work from anywhere, often even internationally. |
Frequency | Your time in the office may be occasional or scheduled for specific days each week. | Usually full-time, with continuous remote work and no expectation of office attendance. |
Technology Dependence | Moderate. Telework requires sufficient technology for days at home but may rely on office setups for other tasks. | High. Remote work relies heavily on digital tools and platforms for collaboration, communication, and task management. |
Organisational Impact | It is a flexible work arrangement aimed at improving work-life balance. | Often part of a broader organisational strategy that can influence company culture and operational logistics. |
Employee Autonomy | Varies. Employees may still need to adhere to structured schedules and protocols similar to office settings. | High. Remote work employees generally have more control over their work schedules and methods. |
Typical Usage | Telework is common in organisations that support partial work-from-home arrangements. | Companies operating fully online or wanting to tap into a global talent pool without geographic constraints prefer remote work. |
Before we discuss the pros and cons of telework and remote work, let’s examine a typical example of each.
Examples Of Telework And Remote Work
Let’s start with my least favourite, telework.
An Example Of Telework
Abie (that’s me!) is an editor at a regional magazine, where he engages in telework.
Under his current work arrangement, Abie works from home in the suburbs on Mondays and Fridays. These days allow him to escape the hectic commute and enjoy a peaceful start to his day.
On the other three weekdays, he commutes to the magazine's office in the city centre. This schedule is beneficial because it allows Abie to interact (face-to-face) with his team during core working days.
The end result?
It fosters collaboration while granting him quiet focus time at home on telework days.
An Example Of Remote Work
Abie previously served as a content manager for an online tech review platform that operates fully remotely.
Based in San Francisco, the company employed individuals from all over the world, and Abie worked entirely from his rural home in Vermont.
This remote setup granted him the flexibility to work from various locations, even allowing him to spend several weeks working from a cosy cabin in Colorado.
His remote work environment heavily relied on remote work tools, enabling him to efficiently manage his projects and maintain a strong work-life balance regardless of his physical location.
Now that we’ve looked at examples of telework and remote work, it’s time to take a deep dive into each.
Discover how to slash your salary costs by 80%
Get our exact process for hiring amazing overseas talent from South Africa. Includes copy-and-paste templates and a detailed salary guide.
Telework Versus Remote Work
Ready for the ultimate showdown? It’s telework versus remote work! Let’s get rumbling.
Pros And Cons Of Telework
In all honesty, I don’t like telework, and I think remote work is so much better. But in the spirit of fairness, I’ll try to be honest. Let’s look at the pros of telework.
Pros Of Telework
Increased Flexibility:
Telework allows me to adjust my work schedule around personal commitments, such as taking care of my dogs or attending appointments.
Meet Princess Leia, one of doggos.
This flexibility is a significant advantage as it helps me maintain a better balance between my personal life and work duties without sacrificing either.
Reduced Commute Stress:
On days I work from home, I don't have to deal with the hassle of commuting. And let’s face it: commuting is shit.
Skipping the daily traffic saves me time and money and spares me the stress and fatigue of a long drive, allowing me to start my workday feeling more relaxed and energised.
Enhanced Productivity:
I can create a quiet and personal workspace at home, reducing distractions compared to the office environment.
This is my Star Wars themed desk.
This setting helps me focus better, especially on tasks that require deep concentration, boosting my productivity. Another bonus is getting to geek out with your favourite fandom!
And now, the dark side of telework.
Cons Of Telework
Isolation:
Working from home can sometimes be lonely. I miss the casual conversations and the spontaneous interactions with my colleagues in the office.
This isolation can sometimes make me feel disconnected from the team and the company culture.
Overlapping Home And Work Life:
My biggest challenge with telework is the blurred lines between home and work.
My home office is just a few steps from my living area, making it hard to completely “switch off” from work mode.
This often leads to working longer hours than intended, which can be stressful.
Technology Dependence:
My ability to work effectively from home is heavily dependent on technology.
If my internet connection or computer has issues, they can completely disrupt my workday.
My reliance on technology means that small technical problems can become big problems, especially if I'm my only IT support.
Pros And Cons of Remote Work
And now, here are the pros and cons of remote work; it is my favourite work style!
Pros Of Remote Work
Ultimate Flexibility:
Remote work offers unparalleled flexibility compared to any other work setup.
I can manage my schedule and work environment entirely, which allows me to optimise my productivity.
Whether I want to start early or split my workday to accommodate personal activities, remote work supports my lifestyle choices. Ultimately, it helps me achieve excellent work-life integration.
Broader Opportunities:
Working remotely has allowed me to explore opportunities regardless of geographic boundaries. I’ve worked for several employers in various countries around the world.
I can collaborate with international teams and engage with projects that were once out of reach due to location constraints.
The end result? Remote work broadened my professional network and enhanced my career growth.
Cost And Time Savings:
One of the best benefits of remote work is that commuting is unnecessary.
I save several hours each week! And what do I do with all of that extra time? I can redirect it towards hobbies or additional work projects.
With remote work I get time for my hobbies, like Warhammer 40K.
The savings on transportation and office attire also add up! Who wouldn’t say some extra cash at the end of each month?
Of course, there are also some bad things about remote work. So, let’s look at the cons.
Cons of Remote Work
Potential Overwork:
One challenge I face with remote work is the tendency to overwork.
Without the clear boundary set by an office environment, it’s sometimes difficult to know when to stop working.
This can lead to longer hours than intended, which I must consciously manage to prevent burnout.
Dependence On Self-Motivation:
Remote work requires a high level of self-discipline and motivation.
The lack of physical oversight means I need to be proactive in managing my tasks and productivity. While I thrive in this setup, it can be challenging during low-energy or high-distraction periods.
Technology Reliance:
Similar to telework, remote work is highly dependent on technology.
I need a reliable internet connection and excellent digital tools to stay connected with my team and manage my tasks. Any disruption in these technologies can affect my ability to work efficiently.
Hire remote talent from South Africa & slash salary costs by 80%
Salaries start from £8,000 per year!
How To Decide Between Telework And Remote Work
Are you trying to figure out if telework or remote work is better for you?
I developed a solution for you! Answer the following questions with a simple "Yes" or "No." Count how many "Yes" answers you have at the end to see what might suit you best!
Let’s start.
1. Do you enjoy having a mix of home and office work environments?
Teleworking could be a good fit if you like switching between working at home and the office.
2. Do you live close to your office or wouldn't mind a commute on some days?
If commuting a few days a week is okay, consider telework.
3. Do you prefer having face-to-face interactions with your colleagues regularly?
If direct contact matters to you, telework might be better.
4. Do you need a structured environment that the office provides to stay focused?
If yes, telework offers a balance of home and office settings that could benefit your productivity.
5. Do you want to live anywhere without worrying about commuting to an office?
If living location independently appeals to you, remote work is likely a better choice.
6. Are you self-motivated and manage your time well without supervision?
If you thrive on independence, remote work could be ideal.
7. Do you appreciate flexible work hours without fixed office times?
If complete scheduling freedom is essential, remote work will suit you best.
8. Are you comfortable relying heavily on digital communication for most of your interactions?
Remote work can work well for you if you're okay with minimal face-to-face contact.
So, how did you score?
- Mostly "Yes" to questions 1-4: Telework might best fit you, offering a blend of home and office work that suits your preferences.
- Mostly "Yes" to questions 5-8: Remote work seems ideal for you, providing significant flexibility and independence that matches your lifestyle.
My Final Thoughts
And there you have it: an excellent telework vs. remote work guide. We looked at the definitions and the pros and cons. I even gave you a handy quiz to help you decide between remote and telework. So, which one are you going to choose?