The complete guide to remote work

Remote work, also known as teleworking or working from home, has become an essential flexible work arrangement. Whether it's fully remote, occasional home office work, or a hybrid model, this system allows employees to work outside of physical premises while maintaining effective online collaboration. In this guide, we cover the fundamental principles of remote work, the essential tools for collaboration, the ideal organizational structure to boost productivity, and best management practices.

Understanding the fundamentals of teleworking

Definition and differences between remote and distance

The term remote refers to any remote employment, whether it be an e-employee, a remote freelancer or a digital nomad working for clients spread across the globe.

Remote work is distinguished from "distance work" primarily by its scope and duration: full remote work generally implies a complete teleworking agreement, whereas distance work can be more occasional. In all cases, it relies on a specific remote work organization, combining digital tools and adapted remote management.

Key advantages of working remotely

Several reasons justify the rise of remote work. Reduced real estate costs, flexible hours, and a better work-life balance are major benefits for both companies and remote employees. Asynchronous work and online collaboration facilitate professional mobility and allow for talent recruitment on a broader basis (even 100% remote recruitment), while also ensuring greater corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Essential tools for online collaboration

Instant messaging and video conferencing

Communicating via Slack, Teams, Discord, or any other messaging application is essential. Similarly, it's necessary to train teams to communicate effectively in video conferences (via Zoom, Google Meet, etc.). This streamlines communication and fosters a real-time collaborative workflow.

Managing remotely therefore requires adapting HR processes. Organizing video conferences and digitizing documents are crucial for effectively onboarding teams without being physically present.

Project management and cloud storage

Tools like Trello, Asana, and Jira allow you to plan tasks and track time management while working remotely. Online office suites and cloud storage spaces (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox) facilitate document sharing. This allows each team to work in a flexible office or virtual coworking environment without wasting time.

Security, VPN and teleworking policy

With increasing professional mobility, IT security is crucial. Implementing a VPN and data protection protocols (passwords, authentication, etc.) is a best practice. A teleworking charter, along with any applicable collective agreements, defines everyone's rights and obligations regarding security, confidentiality, and remote part-time work.

Organization and productivity in remote mode

Setting up an efficient home office

To maximize productivity while working remotely, setting up a comfortable home office is essential. A dedicated space, ergonomic furniture, and a reliable internet connection are the foundation. Following a work routine is also recommended to maintain focus and avoid distractions.

Time management and asynchronous productivity

Asynchronous work is a major advantage in remote work. Flexible hours allow each employee to manage their concentration periods according to their own pace while still meeting established objectives. Planning tasks, prioritizing projects, and synchronizing updates via a shared calendar contribute to better organization.

Work-life balance

While remote work offers increased flexibility, it can also blur the lines between professional and personal life. Setting fixed hours, scheduling breaks, and establishing discipline in digital communications are all ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This approach also reduces the risk of burnout.

Managing and supporting your teams remotely

Synchronous and asynchronous communication

Successful remote management relies on effective communication. Synchronous communication (video conferencing, phone calls) maintains social connections and allows for quick decision-making. Meanwhile, asynchronous communication (messaging, emails, etc.) avoids constant interruptions and respects everyone's workload.

KPI tracking and performance

It is recommended to define precise key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the company culture. Shared dashboards, regular reporting, and clear objectives enable remote performance management. The focus should be on evaluating workload and results rather than time spent working.

Distributed corporate culture

To strengthen team cohesion despite distance, it's important to cultivate a distributed company culture. For example, organize virtual team-building activities, informal networking opportunities (like online chats), and ensure that every employee is involved in decision-making. This climate of trust fosters employee engagement and stability.

Recruitment and career development through remote work

Find a remote job

Remote work is increasingly appealing to a growing number of people. To land a remote job, it's advisable to target companies that promote a teleworking policy. Specialized websites and remote freelance platforms allow you to quickly find opportunities. Highlighting your skills in autonomy and remote collaboration makes negotiating a teleworking arrangement easier.

Legal and contractual aspects

The French Labor Code specifies the terms and conditions of teleworking in articles L1222-9 to L1222-11. Collective agreements or teleworking charters define the rights and obligations (working hours, remote part-time work, reimbursement of expenses, etc.). It is advisable to carefully review the applicable legislation to avoid potential conflicts (insurance, liability, etc.).

Developing one's skills and employability

Remote work opens the door to new managerial and technical skills. Training in project management tools, mobile office software, asynchronous communication techniques, and team management is a real lever for boosting one's career. This allows employees to progress to positions of high responsibility or take on more strategic missions.

Marvin Recruiter, your partner for success in remote work

The Marvin Recruiter collaborative platform is designed to facilitate remote management and collaboration. On our dedicated website, you will discover features adapted to a distributed corporate culture: application tracking, centralized communication, HR analytics, etc.

Thanks to powerful collaborative workflow tools, Marvin Recruiter helps managers organize their distributed teams, define clear objectives, and maintain consistent reporting, even when working fully remotely. You gain flexibility and productivity while ensuring a smooth remote onboarding experience for new employees.

By adopting this type of solution, you optimize your remote recruitment and management strategy, while offering a positive teleworking experience that enhances both company culture and employee well-being.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs are fully remote (100% teleworking)?

Many digital and service-sector jobs lend themselves to fully remote work, such as software development, graphic design, digital marketing, customer support, and project management. Certain positions in accounting, translation, writing, and recruitment can also be performed entirely remotely. The key is having online collaboration tools and a suitable organizational structure to work effectively outside the company's premises.

What do I need for remote work?

To work remotely, you will need a reliable internet connection, computer equipment (computer, headphones, webcam), a quiet and suitable workspace (home office or coworking space), and digital tools to manage your daily tasks (email, project management platform, etc.). It is also advisable to establish a clear schedule and master good security practices (VPN, strong passwords, etc.).

What salary is there for teleworking?

In principle, the salary of a remote employee does not differ from that of an employee working on-site, provided that the position, responsibilities, and level of accountability remain unchanged. However, some companies may offer specific salary scales, particularly for fully remote positions. They may also adjust compensation based on the cost of living in the employee's geographic area. Everything depends on HR policy and applicable agreements.

What are the disadvantages of teleworking?

Despite its advantages, remote work can have some drawbacks. Isolation and the difficulty of separating work and personal life are frequently mentioned. Remote employees must also be more disciplined in their organization to avoid over-connectivity. For employers, maintaining team cohesion and monitoring performance in real time can be more complex, even though digital tools partially mitigate these challenges.

Is it mandatory to pay a teleworking allowance?

In France, there is no general legal obligation to pay a teleworking allowance. However, some collective agreements or company agreements may include provisions for such allowances (reimbursement of equipment costs, internet connection fees, etc.). It is therefore important to check your collective agreement, any amendments to your employment contract, or the teleworking policy in effect at your company.