Working remotely is becoming mainstream, particularly in the software industry. The evolution of technology and communication tools has deeply influenced how people work. It’s not surprising that 56% of global companies allow remote work, while 16% are fully remote, meaning that they have no office option available. However, there’s still confusion about the concept of remote working as it is often associated with work done at home. In fact, remote working has many definitions and varies according to companies’ policies.
What is remote work?
Remote work is a broad term that includes working from any place outside of the office. In this case, work can be executed from home, a co-working space, or from any other location. Remote employees enjoy the flexibility that remote working brings within the limits specified by employers. Employers usually specify where the work will take place and whether you’re required to commit to specific hours of the day.
Remote employees are often full-time employees who are entitled to attend daily standups, and the company’s general meetings and adhere to the company’s policies as their in-office peers.
Flexible work: A flexible job is often a traditional office-based job where employees are given the freedom to choose either a flexible schedule, location or both. They may also be given the freedom to work from home a few days a week. Another type of flexible job is the compressed work week which allows employees to work longer hours 3 - 4 days a week.
Remote work vs. Flexible work: Not all flexible jobs are remote jobs, as some require employees work from the office at least some of the time. Remote work, on the other hand, is the ability to work outside the office, regardless of location, and time. There are policies that regulate both types of work and they differ between companies. Some developers work remotely for the entire year but are required to attend in-person meetings or annual gatherings in the company’s headquarters. Others may work partially remotely for certain days per week/month. As mentioned, it depends on the company’s remote working policies.
Remote and flexible work is based on the fact technology has enabled professionals to work wherever they are. These types of work arrangements are becoming more common, especially in the US where 50 % of employees work remotely at least once a week. Companies are starting to realize that remote work gives them access to the world’s talents which increases their chances of hiring the perfect fit for the job.
Why is remote work appealing to developers?
According to a survey by Stack Overflow, 10% of developers work remotely full-time, and 19% work remotely part-time. Most of those who work remotely full-time are senior developers with more than 7 years of experience. Before applying to a remote job, it’s good to know the perks, what is it in for you, and what to expect from this type of work.
What’s it in for you?
Flexibility: There are obvious advantages to remote work for both employers and developers. Flexibility is one of the biggest benefits that remote work offers. According to Buffer state of remote work, 40% of respondents reported that flexibility is the biggest benefit of remote work:
It is a critical component of today’s jobs to the majority of developers for a number of reasons:
Flexibility allows developers to:
- Choose their preferred working location that is free of distraction and take control of their work schedule.
- Incorporate more time to develop their skills, and enroll in workshops, training and boot camps which elevate their skills.
- Eliminate work-related stress which leads to increased job satisfaction.
In sum, allowing great flexibility is a sign of trust. When developers feel they’re trusted, they are more likely to go above and beyond to fulfil their work obligations.
Whether it be flexible hours or locations, flexible working arrangements are one of the most important perks a job can offer. Get the most out of your remote job and enjoy the benefits that it brings.
Remote jobs pay well: Contrary to the common belief, remote developers are not paid less than their office peers. According to a study, remote developers earn 40% more than those who never work remotely. Global Workplace Analytics also reported that employers can save over $11,000 per year per remote worker. This is reflected in the increased salaries of remote employees.
At Remoteplatz, our remote developers receive 50 - 100 % higher salaries compared to their peers who work in traditional office jobs.
International experience: Success in today’s world depends on many factors including employees’ ability to communicate and collaborate with cross-cultural teams. The key mindset required to excel in remote jobs is based on openness and cultural intelligence. Developers who want to make the next big leap in their careers should consider working remotely for global companies. Aside from the technical experience, you will get from working with international experts, remote working broadens your horizons and opens the door to unlimited career opportunities.
If building an international career is your goal, consider the advantages of remote working:
- Working with international experts helps you adjust to different workplace norms.
- When you work remotely, your day-to-day tasks will involve collaborating on projects with your remote colleagues whose cultures and perspectives are completely different from yours. You’ll learn from their expertise and have the chance to exchange knowledge on various topics and industry trends.
- Understand how the business operates worldwide.
- Working with cross-cultural teams also increases creativity and widens your horizons. In a study by Forbes, researchers found that exposing individuals to multiple cultures and perspectives increases their creativity and innovations.
Increased productivity: In a typical office day, you’re interrupted every few minutes by colleagues coming over to your desk to chat, or to ask a question. As a result, you end up losing your focus and not producing as much as it’s expected from you. Face-to-face interruptions are the most challenging part of a typical workday, according to a survey by Rescue Time. It’s the most distracting and the hardest to ignore.
The good news is, developers who work remotely from home reported fewer interruptions compared to those who work from the office.
Working remotely gives you the luxury to cut all distractions, and focus on your work without constant interruptions. This increases your productivity which will result in improving your overall performance.
77% of employees who work remotely have reported greater productivity and engagement, one survey found.
In sum, remote work is not for everyone. This type of work requires mature employees who can take on this huge responsibility and manage their own time. When done right, remote work could be an excellent way for developers to build an international career from the heart of Egypt.
