The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to an uptick in the number of remote working professionals across the world. However, before COVID-19 forced businesses to take their workforces remote, there was already a push towards a remote working model that many companies, big and small, had already begun following. And now, even as companies are able to take their workforce back to offices full time, many of them, like Twitter, Facebook, and Coinbase, are operating on a “remote first” basis. But, what exactly is remote working and why are so many professionals and companies opting for this method of work?
What is remote work?
Remote work is a working style that allows professionals to work outside of traditional offices spaces. Many people refer to this style as “work-from-home” but there a few subtle differences between working remotely and working from home.
Remote work allows professionals to work away from a normal office, but does not guarantee that they’ll be able to work from home. However, work from home (WFH) is a type of remote work where professionals are able to do their jobs from the comfort of their homes. The differences between the two are important because some jobs, for safety or confidentiality reasons, cannot or do not allow their staff to work from potentially unsecured spaces such as home or a coffee shop. While you may be able to avoid a traditional office through remote work, your company may still want you to work in a co-working space that offers more security than your home or elsewhere. It’s essential that you understand the differences between the two models before you delve into looking for a job that allows you to work remotely.
The impact of COVID-19 on remote working
Due to the advancement of technology, it is easier than ever to turn a job into one that can be done remotely. Customer service and administration were some of the first jobs that were widely accepted as having the ability to be completely remote, but, since then, companies have begun to understand the benefits of having a remote work staff. When COVID-19 forced businesses to protect their staff by having work be completed at home, there was a global shift in the attitude towards what jobs could and couldn’t be done remotely.
Previously, it was thought that only certain jobs in specific industries and fields were adaptable to a remote work model. However, through necessity, companies have realised that remote work is much more accessible and beneficial than it was thought to be. In the UK, 52% of survey respondents were working from home during January and February of 2021. And, according to this same survey, 79% of respondents would like the opportunity to work from home at least one day per week.
With more employees wanting the option to work from home, companies have been scrambling to find a middle ground. Some companies, such as Facebook and Twitter, have got all the way and allowed employees to choose to permanently work from home. While others, like Yahoo! and Reddit, have decided against making remote work a permanent fixture for their staff. Given that over 3.9 million UK employees worked remotely in the first half of 2021, it’s likely that, even outside of COVID considerations, this number will continue to rise. But, what does this mean for remote work? And, how can potential remote workers take advantage of the increase in remote opportunities?
What is the future of the remote work model?
The pandemic significantly accelerated the rate at which remote work became a norm. However, the upward trajectory of remote work indicated that remote work was already on its way to becoming a major competitor to traditional work. McKinsey analysed remote work statistics by surveying and studying 800 jobs, 9 countries, and 2,000 tasks. According to their findings, the UK has the highest percentage of potential share for remote working in comparison to the other countries in the study. Although the majority of workforces cannot accommodate vast amounts of remote work, such as retail and foodservice, those that can are actively moving towards increasing remote work numbers.
What are the main types of remote work models?
But, not every company is choosing to incorporate remote work in the same way. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three major remote work models, remote-only, remote-first, and hybrid.
Remote-only/Fully remote
The remote-only model is rare but is becoming more popular with smaller companies or those who can operate fully remote. Employees that are interested in working at remote-only companies should be aware that physical work locations are often not available. This is ideal for those who are more comfortable working from home (or co-working locations) and prefer a company that prioritises a remote model.
Here are a list of companies that have a remote-only/fully remote model:
Remote-first
Companies that are remote-first are open to traditional working arrangements, but make great provisions for remote work within their company model. These companies are generally those that only require in-house attendance for staff that have duties that can’t be carried out completely virtually. Positions at these jobs will likely offer the option of remote (for certain positions), but also give you the freedom to come into an office setting when you desire to.
Generally, you won’t be required to work any in-office hours, which means that you can choose if and/or when you actually visit the company office.
Here are a list of companies that have a remote-first model:
Hybrid model
The hybrid model is the most popular remote work model and is often the go-to option for companies that want the best of both worlds. In this model, employees generally work both remotely and in-office, depending on their position and location. Companies will dictate how many days per week employees are required to be in-office and how many days per week they are allowed to work remotely.
If you like the flexibility of working remotely, but don’t mind having in-office requirements, companies that operate using a hybrid model are ideal. If you’re looking for a fully-remote or remote-first position, you should avoid applying for positions at companies that prioritise hybrid working.
Here are a list of companies that have a hybrid work model:
What are the best tips for finding the perfect remote job?
Determine if a remote job is right for you
While there is a great deal of flexibility to working remotely, remote work comes with its own set of challenges. The first step to finding the right remote job is to ensure that a remote work experience is something that you’re ready for. You can read up on what it’s like working remotely to help you decide whether or not a non-traditional work model is suitable for your professional and personal needs.
Get your resume up to date
Although there isn’t a true “remote work” resume template, there are a few keywords that can indicate that you have the right skills for a remote job. For example, it’s advisable to include any skills that would be useful in a remote position, such as the ability to work without supervision, flexibility, and the use of certain project management software like Slack or Asana. Time management, digital literacy, and adaptability are all invaluable skills for any remote worker.
Focus on truly remote-friendly companies
Once your resume is optimised, you’ll need to shift your focus to companies that are remote-friendly. It’ll be necessary to also find companies that hire in your location, as some companies hire remotely only within certain cities, regions, or countries. It may seem like a no-brainer, but not all companies have the same mindset about remote work. You’ll want to ensure that any company that you apply to is committed to creating a safe and supportive remote environment.
Use a reliable remote work job board
The best way to ensure that you can connect with the potential perfect remote job is to use a reliable job board. Job boards compile job postings into one convenient location, making it easy to find multiple jobs in your field in one place. For help finding the right job, you can utilise the extensive list of thousands of remote jobs located in the UK via Remote Worker UK. Create a profile, upload your resume, and easily apply for remote jobs from companies based in or hiring in the United Kingdom.