Remote Work

Today’s workplace is far different than the one where our parents and grandparents worked, largely because of advances in technology. Email, the Internet, and web conferencing have all changed the workplace and the way that work is conducted. Many employees are no longer required to work in the typical office environment and instead are able to perform their work remotely—at home, in other towns and states, in other countries—wherever the work can be done efficiently and effectively.

There are many kinds of remote workers. Teleworkers complete assignments at home while others—such as salespeople and training instructors—work in the field at clients’ work sites or training facilities. Some employers don’t have a physical office location, instead allowing workers to interact via technology. And some individuals have utilized the Internet to operate online auction and shopping businesses.

Remote workers need a variety of skills:

• They must be savvy about technology.
• The ability to manage their time with little or no supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communications, since they often don’t have the opportunity to interact with colleagues in person, but rather via e-mail and videoconferencing.
• Workers must have excellent supervisory and management skills as many of their colleagues and subordinates may be hundreds or thousands of miles away.