The complete guide to working remotely

Remote working, also known as telecommuting or teleworking, has become an essential flexible working mode. Whether it's full remote, occasional home office or hybrid work, this arrangement enables employees to work away from physical premises, while maintaining effective online collaboration. In this guide, we look at the fundamental principles of remote working, the essential tools for collaboration, the ideal organization for boosting productivity, and good management practices.

Understanding the basics of teleworking

Definition and differences between remote and distance learning

The term "remote" refers to any kind of remote employment, whether as an e-employee, a remote freelancer or a digital nomad working for customers in the four corners of the world.

The difference between remote and full remote is mainly in scope and duration: full remote generally involves a full telecommuting contract, while remote can be more ad hoc. In all cases, we rely on a specific organization of remote work, combining digital tools and adapted remote management.

Key advantages of working remotely

There are several reasons why telecommuting is on the rise. Reduced real estate costs, flexible working hours and a better work-life balance are major benefits for both the company and the off-site employee. Asynchronous working or online collaboration facilitates professional mobility and enables talent to be recruited on a broader basis (or even 100% remotely), while ensuring greater corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Essential tools for online collaboration

Instant messaging and videoconferencing

Communicating via Slack, Teams, Discord, or any other messaging app is a must. Likewise, teams need to be trained to communicate effectively via videoconferencing (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.). This makes exchanges more fluid and promotes real-time collaborative workflow.

Managing remotely means knowing how to adapt HR processes. Organizing videoconferences and dematerializing documents are crucial to onboarding teams efficiently without having to be present in person.

Project management and cloud storage

Tools such as Trello, Asana or Jira enable you to plan tasks and monitor time management when telecommuting. Online office suites and cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox) make it easy to share documents. As a result, each team can work in flex office or virtual coworking mode without wasting time.

Security, VPN and teleworking charter

With professional mobility on the rise, IT security is crucial. Setting up a VPN and data protection protocols (passwords, authentication, etc.) is part of good practice. A telecommuting charter, along with any collective agreements, defines everyone's rights and obligations in terms of security, confidentiality and remote part-time working.

Organization and productivity in remote mode

Setting up an efficient home office

To optimize remote productivity, a comfortable home office is essential. A dedicated space, ergonomic furniture and a reliable Internet connection are the basics. It's also advisable to follow a work routine to maintain concentration and avoid distractions.

Time management and asynchronous productivity

Asynchronous working is a major advantage in remote working. Flexible working hours mean that each employee can concentrate at his or her own pace, while still meeting objectives. Scheduling tasks, prioritizing projects and synchronizing updates via a shared schedule all contribute to better organization.

Work-life balance

Telecommuting may bring increased flexibility, but it can also blur the boundary between professional and personal life. Setting fixed working hours, taking breaks and establishing discipline in your digital exchanges are all ways of maintaining a balance between your professional and personal life. This approach also reduces the risk of burn-out.

Managing and supporting remote teams

Synchronous and asynchronous communication

Successful remote management relies on appropriate communication. Synchronous communication (videoconferencing, telephone calls) helps maintain a social link and enables decisions to be made quickly. At the same time, asynchronous communication (messaging, e-mail, etc.) avoids constant interruptions and respects each person's work.

KPI and performance monitoring

It is advisable to define precise performance indicators (KPIs), in line with the company's culture. Shared dashboards, regular reporting and clear objectives enable remote performance management. The challenge is to assess workload and results rather than time spent on the job.

Distributed corporate culture

To strengthen team cohesion despite distance, it's important to take care of your distributed corporate culture. For example, organize virtual team-building activities, informal exchanges (chat cafés), or ensure that all employees are involved in decision-making. This climate of trust fosters workforce commitment and stability.

Teleworking recruitment and career development

Find a job in remote

Remote jobs are becoming increasingly attractive. To land a remote job, it's advisable to target companies that promote a telecommuting policy. Specialized websites and remote freelance platforms can help you find opportunities quickly. Highlighting your skills in autonomy and remote collaboration makes it easier to negotiate telecommuting.

Legal and contractual aspects

Articles L1222-9 to L1222-11 of the French Labor Code set out the terms and conditions of teleworking. Collective agreements or telework charters define rights and obligations (working hours, remote part-time work, reimbursement of expenses, etc.). To avoid potential conflicts (insurance, liability, etc.), it is advisable to check the legislation in force.

Developing skills and employability

Teleworking opens the door to new managerial and technical skills. Training in project management tools, mobile office technology, asynchronous communication techniques and team management is a real career booster. As a result, employees can progress to positions of greater responsibility or take on more strategic missions.

Marvin Recruiter, your partner for telecommuting success

The Marvin Recruiter collaborative platform is designed to facilitate remote management and collaboration. On our dedicated site, you'll discover features tailored to the distributed enterprise culture: application tracking, centralized communication, HR analytics, etc.

Thanks to its high-performance collaborative workflow tools, Marvin Recruiter helps managers organize their distributed teams, define clear objectives and maintain constant reporting, even when working in full remote mode. You gain in flexibility and productivity, while guaranteeing smooth remote onboarding for new employees.

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

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Full remote jobs (100% telecommuting)?

Many jobs in the digital and service sectors lend themselves to full remote working, including IT development, graphic design, digital marketing, customer support and project management. Certain positions in accounting, translation, copywriting or recruitment can also be carried out entirely remotely. The key is to have the online collaboration tools and organization needed to work effectively away from the company's premises.

What do I need to work remotely?

To work remotely, you'll need a reliable Internet connection, IT equipment (computer, headset, webcam), a quiet, suitable space (home office or coworking space) and digital tools to manage your day-to-day tasks (e-mail, project management platform, etc.). It's also advisable to define a clear time frame and master good security practices (VPN, secure passwords, etc.).

How much does teleworking pay?

In principle, the salary of a telecommuting employee does not differ from that of a face-to-face employee, as long as the position, missions and level of responsibility remain unchanged. However, some companies may offer specific remuneration packages, particularly for full remote positions. They may also adjust remuneration according to the cost of living in the employee's geographical area. It all depends on HR policy and current agreements.

What are the disadvantages of teleworking?

Despite its advantages, telecommuting can have its drawbacks. Isolation and the difficulty of separating professional and personal life are often cited. Remote workers also need to be more disciplined in their organization to avoid over-connection. On the employer's side, it can be more complex to maintain team cohesion and monitor performance in real time, even if digital tools go some way to offsetting these challenges.

Is it compulsory to pay a teleworking allowance?

In France, there is no general legal obligation to pay a teleworking allowance. However, certain collective or company agreements may provide for payment of compensation (for equipment, internet connection, etc.). It is therefore important to check your collective bargaining agreement, any amendments to your employment contract, or your company's teleworking charter.