Getting started with remote working

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You’re now going to explore the different types of remote-working jobs

available for those who are searching for a job.

You’re also going to look at the steps needed to negotiate working remotely
in a current job.

Let’s look at two different scenarios:

1. I like the idea of remote working, but don’t know where to look.

There are online job search websites specifically dedicated to remote

working. They cover a range of jobs, such as language tutor or freelance
writer in celebrity and pop culture where you are paid by the word.

The See Also section contains links to the following online job boards if
you’re interested in learning more:

 We Work Remotely: This is a popular website and one of the largest

communities of both remote workers and employers, with thousands of
new job opportunities posted every day in different industries.
  Working Nomads: A site specifically targeting people who want to
work while travelling.
 Glassdoor: A UK-based site for all kinds of jobs, but can be targeted
by putting the word ‘remote’ in the search criteria.

2. I have a job already, but want to ask to remote work.

If you want to ask your employer if you can remote work some or all of your
contracted days, the first thing you need to establish is if your job is suitable
for remote working. Consider the following:

 Can you access documents from home?

 Do you have access to the necessary software from home?
 Can you do your job without physically being in the workplace?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to these questions, take a look at the Is remote working
for you? document in the Downloads section. It contains a series of points to
consider and questions to ask when negotiating remote working with your
employer.

The best way to start the process is with an informal chat with your line
manager. If the idea is well received, you will need to formalise it as you will
need to have your contract amended. However, if your company requires a
more formal request, you may need to start by putting it in writing, at which
point your employer has three months to make a decision.

What are the guidelines?

There are detailed guidelines in place in the UK that cover remote working
from the free Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

If you’re interested in learning more about the rules and regulations about
remote working, the See Also section contains links to the following guides:
  A guide from ACAS, written for employers of all sizes as well as
employees, outlining the employment rights and relations issues around
remote working.
 A detailed guide about home working rules and expenses is available
from Taxaid, a service offering free, confidential advice on tax for
those on low incomes.
What do you think?

Take this opportunity to think about the following questions:

 What did you notice about the type of jobs you found which were
remote working?
 Did they have anything in common?
 Is there anything you would find difficult raising with an
employer about home working arrangements?

Share and discuss your responses with other learners in the Discussion.