Remote work: why to do it and the enabling technologies
Remote work, telecommuting and smart working are three modes of remote work that are becoming
increasingly popular in an increasingly connected and digital world. However, although they are often used synonymously, there are significant conceptual and contractual differences between these three forms of remote work.
First, remote work is a mode of work that involves the use of digital tools to perform work activities from
home or from a place other than the office. Remote work can be done occasionally or regularly, but it does not necessarily involve a change in work organization or time management. For example, an employee may perform some work activities from home for personal or health reasons, but continue to perform his or her main activities in the office.
Telecommuting, on the other hand, is a form of remote work that involves the use of digital tools to
perform work activities from home or a place other than the office on a regular basis, usually on a weekly
or monthly basis. Telecommuting is usually regulated by an employment contract that provides for the
specific mode of remote work and working conditions.
Last, smart working is a flexible working mode that involves the use of digital tools to carry out work
activities efficiently and with a view to greater autonomy and responsibility on the part of the worker.
Smart working involves the organization of work in a way that provides flexibility, the ability to work
remotely, and the achievement of goals independently.
In addition to conceptual differences, there are also contractual differences among these three forms of
remote work. For example, remote work does not necessarily involve a specific contract, as it can be
carried out as a simple form of work flexibility granted by the company to the employee.
In contrast, telecommuting always involves a specific contract that regulates the arrangements for remote work, working conditions, and the employee's rights. The telework contract must also provide for the manner in which the work performed remotely is monitored and the employee's privacy is protected.
Finally, smart working is a form of remote work that involves reorganizing work in a flexible and
autonomous way, using digital and technological tools to achieve work objectives. In this case, the
employment contract should stipulate the modalities of remote work, the rights of the employee, and how to control the work done remotely.
Remote work is possible through the use of a variety of technologies that enable workers to perform their work activities from home (or from a location other than the office). Technologies enabling remote work include:
- High-speed Internet connections, which enable workers to access a wide range of digital tools, such as video conferencing applications, online collaboration platforms, and corporate networks.
- Video conferencing applications, which allow workers to participate in virtual meetings and gatherings with colleagues and clients from anywhere with an Internet connection. Popular videoconferencing applications include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype.
- Online collaboration platforms, which allow workers to collaborate in real time on documents, presentations and projects with colleagues and clients from anywhere with an Internet connection. Popular online collaboration platforms include Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft's OneDrive.
- Intranets and corporate networks, which allow workers to access corporate resources and applications safely and securely from anywhere with an Internet connection. Possibly using security technologies to protect corporate data and provide secure access to data. Such as, for example, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and 2FA, i.e., two-factor authentication software (2FA is a computer security system that requires verification of at least two different authentication elements to access a service or resource, such as a password and a code sent via SMS).
In conclusion, remote work, telecommuting and smart working are three forms of remote work that have
significant conceptual and contractual differences.
While remote work provides for greater work flexibility, telecommuting provides for greater work
organization and protection of employee rights. Finally, smart working provides for greater autonomy and
responsibility on the part of the employee, but requires greater attention to work planning and
management.
At Wacebo, we can help companies organize the work of their employees and contractors with cutting-
edge technologies aimed at maximizing employee efficiency and comfort and thus stimulating productivity and creativity.
