The world of remote work is growing rapidly, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recognizes the need to differentiate between two types of remote work - remote work and telework. Understanding the nuances between the two is important for employers, employees, and job seekers looking to take advantage of the flexibility that remote work can offer.

What is Remote Work?

Remote work is a type of work arrangement where employees are based outside of the traditional office environment and work from a remote location. This can include working from home, a shared office space, or a coworking space. Remote work is typically a permanent arrangement, with employees working remotely for an extended period of time. Remote work is a great option for employers who have employees in multiple locations, or for employees who need to be able to be flexible with their schedule or location.

What is Telework?

Telework is a type of work arrangement where employees are based in the traditional office environment, but have the ability to work from a remote location when needed. Telework is typically a temporary arrangement, with employees working remotely for a limited period of time. Telework is a great option for employers who need to be able to provide flexible working arrangements for their employees, or for employees who need to be able to efficiently manage their workload between the office and a remote location.

Remote Work vs Telework OPM

The OPM defines remote work as a “permanent work arrangement where an employee works from a remote location, outside of the traditional office.” This means that the employee is not physically in the office, but is still an employee of the organization and is expected to work from a remote location. The OPM defines telework as a “temporary work arrangement where an employee works from a remote location, outside of the traditional office, on an as-needed basis.” This means that the employee is not physically in the office, but is still an employee of the organization and is expected to work from a remote location when needed.

Benefits of Remote Work vs Telework OPM

The OPM recognizes the benefits of both remote work and telework, and provides guidance on how to best implement these arrangements in the workplace. Remote work offers employers the opportunity to reduce costs associated with office space and increase employee productivity, while telework gives employees the flexibility to work from home or other remote locations when needed. Both arrangements are beneficial for employees, as they can increase work-life balance, provide more flexibility with scheduling, and create more opportunities for career development.

Legal Considerations for Remote Work and Telework OPM

The OPM provides guidance on legal considerations for both remote work and telework, including issues related to employee rights, workplace safety, and employee privacy. Employers should ensure that their employees have the necessary equipment to work safely and securely from a remote location, and that the organization’s policies and procedures are compliant with federal and state laws. Employees should also be aware of their rights when working remotely, such as the right to a safe and healthy work environment, and the right to privacy when working from a remote location.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between remote work and telework, and the legal considerations associated with each, is important for employers, employees, and job seekers looking to take advantage of the flexibility that remote work can offer. With the right guidance and support, remote work and telework can be successful arrangements for employers and employees alike, providing greater opportunities for career development, increased productivity, and improved work-life balance.