Remote Work Glossary: 30+ Unique Terms and Phrases

Every profession has a glossary and remote work is not excluded. Working remotely has become increasingly popular in recent years, with a growing number of individuals and companies embracing this flexible way of working. However, with this newfound freedom comes a whole new vocabulary of terms and concepts that may be unfamiliar to some.

In this blog post, we will explore a remote work glossary to help you navigate the world of remote work with ease. So, whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or just getting started read on because this guide will provide you with a basic understanding of the key remote work terms you need to know. Let’s dive in!

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Activity Log

This is a record of all the activities, tasks, or previous actions performed over a specific period. Additionally, activity log helps to track productivity in remote work.

Agile Workforce

This is a workforce that focuses on flexibility. That is the ability to easily adjust to the evolving business requirements

Annualized hours

Annualized hours offer a flexible work arrangement where an employee’s total hours are calculated every year, rather than weekly, providing remote and hybrid workers with greater autonomy and adaptability. This approach is especially well-suited for remote work setups, as it accommodates different time zones and individual work styles, allowing for more flexibility and work-life balance. 

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Asynchronous (async) communication

Asynchronous is a word normally used in rework work which means that messages can be passed at any time and can equally be processed at any time. That is a word that means that remote workers can work at their convenient time.

Bring Your Device (BYOD)

 This is a policy that allows employees to work with their desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

 Burnout

This is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue, emotional depletion, and mental drain, resulting from excessive stress. To avoid this, it’s essential to strike a balance between workload and stress management, prioritizing self-care and well-being.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage enables universal access to up-to-date data and information from any device, location, or network. Services like Google Docs and Dropbox allow users to retrieve and work on files from multiple devices, synchronizing updates in real-time, and even enabling simultaneous collaboration on a single document.

Collaboration Tools

These software help team members work together without hitches such as communication tools and file-sharing apps.

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Compressed Working Week

A compressed working week is a situation where an employee compresses their 40-hour work in a week into fewer days. For example, instead of working five hours a day for five days in ten days, an employee may decide to work ten hours for five days. 

Conference Call

This is a method of communication in remote settings. It allows a group of persons from different locations to speak and interact on a single call. This remote work glossary is one of the major tools for successful remote collaboration.

Digital nomad

A digital nomad is a person who discharges his duties from any part of the world.  They usually travel while working while leveraging technology.

Employer Of Record (EOR)

An employer of record (EOR) acts as a third-party intermediary, managing legal employment responsibilities such as payroll, taxes, and compliance, making it an attractive solution for remote companies with international teams.

Freelancer

A freelancer is self-employed by rendering services to individuals, businesses, or companies and in turn gets paid. 

Gig Economy

The gig economy describes a labor market characterized by short-term, flexible, and often freelance work arrangement. Furthermore, it is where individuals (gig workers) engage in on-demand services, temporary contracts, and project-based work. But it is facilitated by online platforms and companies that connect workers with clients and manage transactions.

 Home Office

This is a space in your home designated specifically for remote jobs and it’s a common word you will find in the remote work glossary.

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 Hybrid-Remote

This is a working model where some employees work remotely while some work on-site.

In-person Meeting

An in-person meeting also known as a face-to-face meeting is a meeting where all the participants are physically present in the same location rather than through a conference call.

Instant Message (IM)

Instant messaging (IM) is a real-time communication tool used for quick and efficient exchange of messages over chat platforms. Furthermore, in a professional setting, IM is considered a synchronous communication method, enabling colleagues to connect and respond promptly, facilitating immediate feedback and rapid decision-making.

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Offer Letter

An offer letter is a letter sent to an employee usually through email before he or she resumes work. Additionally, know that in a traditional setting, it is called an appointment paper.

Global Remote Team

This is made up of a group of individuals who work from different states or countries but collaborate using technology.

KPIs (key performance indicators)

These are trackable benchmarks that can be used to appraise the results of an employee, organization, or department. In remote work, KPIs major on outputs rather than the number of hours spent working. Hence KPIs help to track effectiveness and productivity.

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MSA

An MSA, or Master Service Agreement, outlines the mutual responsibilities and obligations between Remote and the client, serving as their initial contract.

NDA

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is an agreement signed between an employer and an employee never to reveal confidential information throughout working for the client and even after.

Remote desktop

A remote desktop is a software application or tool that enables users to remotely access, control, and manage another computer or device from a separate location as if they were sitting in front of it.

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Remote job

A remote job is a job you can do outside the traditional office setting. It leverages collaboration tools, a strong internet connection, and other technologies to be possible.

Remote onboarding

This is the introduction of new hires into the team without them being present. Activities involved include training and orientation. The new employees are introduced to the culture of the system. They are equipped with everything needed to be productive in their role like tools and skills.

Remote OK

Remote OK indicates that a company or organization is receptive to and supportive of remote work arrangements, welcoming candidates or employees who prefer to work from a distance.

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SLA

A Service-Level Agreement (SLA) is a formal document that outlines the specific terms, expectations, and responsibilities for a working arrangement in this case, the Remote employment of an employee. It defines the scope of work, performance metrics, and standards for the employee’s remote work, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding between the employer (Remote) and the employee.

Synchronous communication

Synchronous communication refers to the simultaneous exchange and receipt of information in real-tim. Also, it enables immediate feedback and response, as seen in live conversations, phone calls, video conferencing, and face-to-face interactions.”

Virtual private network (VPN)

VPNs create a secure and encrypted internet connection, making them an essential tool for remote workers to safely access company resources and protect sensitive data.

Workation

A workation is a hybrid of work and vacation. It is where an employee combines their usual duties with a holiday or trip, often leveraging remote work flexibility to relax and recharge in a new location. But the employer does all these without using paid time off. This allows them to maintain productivity while enjoying a break from their routine and surroundings.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the remote work glossary serves as a valuable resource for both employers and employees in navigating the field of remote work. As the trend towards remote work continues to grow, understanding and familiarizing oneself with the various terms and concepts associated with this mode of work becomes essential.

 This glossary provides a comprehensive compilation of terms, from the basic to the more specialized, ensuring that individuals have a solid foundation to communicate effectively and make informed decisions in the remote work domain.

By utilizing this glossary, individuals and organizations can enhance their remote work experiences, foster better collaboration, and thrive in it.

As remote work becomes the new normal for many, the remote work glossary acts as a guide, empowering individuals to embrace and excel in this flexible way of working.