Work from anywhere (WFA) is a flexible work arrangement that allows employees to perform their job duties from any location, rather than being restricted to a specific office or geographic area. This model leverages technology to enable remote work and emphasize work-life balance.
Work from anywhere (WFA) vs remote work
While both WFA and remote work offer flexibility and the terms are often used interchangeably, there are key differences between them:
- Remote work: Having a remote job typically means working from a fixed remote location, such as a home office. It often implies some geographic limitation, like working within the same country or time zone.
- WFA: Work from anywhere jobs allow employees to work from any location globally, providing them with greater flexibility and freedom in choosing where to live and work.
How work from anywhere (WFA) has changed
While the concept of working from anywhere is not new, modern technology such as laptops, tablets, and video conferencing have made it much more accessible to a larger population of workers around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated a global shift toward remote work and, in turn, WFA.
Work from anywhere (WFA) before COVID
Before COVID-19, WFA was relatively rare and mostly accepted by tech companies and startups who employed traveling workers called “digital nomads.” Traditional businesses were often more hesitant to embrace WFA due to concerns about productivity, security, and communication.
Work from anywhere (WFA) during COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of WFA policies as businesses were forced to adapt to lockdowns and social distancing measures. Companies invested in digital tools and infrastructure to support remote work and work-from-home capabilities. But this made many new companies and industries realize the potential for maintaining operations without a physical office.
Work from anywhere (WFA) today
Today, WFA is increasingly common across various industries. Many companies have formalized their WFA policies, recognizing the benefits of flexibility, employee satisfaction, and access to a broader talent pool.
Work from anywhere (WFA) in the future
The future of WFA looks promising, with continuing advancements in technology making it easier to work from any location. Companies are more likely than ever to adopt hybrid models, combining WFA with occasional in-person meetings to foster collaboration and company culture.
Work from anywhere (WFA) pros and cons
Pros of Work From Anywhere (WFA)
Cons of Work From Anywhere (WFA)
- Increased flexibility for employees: Employees can work from locations that best suit their lifestyle and personal preferences.
- Access to global talent pool: Companies can hire the best talent from anywhere in the world.
- Cost savings: Reduced need for office space and related expenses.
- Better work-life balance: WFA employees can better manage their personal and professional responsibilities.
- High level of control. Contractors should be able to choose when and how they work.
- Provide their own equipment and tools.
- Receive payments after submitting invoices for work.
- Not entitled to statutory benefits.
- Not subject to disciplinary action for misconduct. Instead, the work
- Communication barriers: Coordinating across different time zones can be difficult.
- Security risks: Ensuring data security and compliance can be more complex.
- Isolation: Employees may feel disconnected from their team members and company culture.
- Performance management challenges: Tracking productivity and performance can be challenging.
- High level of control. Contractors should be able to choose when and how they work.
- Provide their own equipment and tools.
- Receive payments after submitting invoices for work.
- Not entitled to statutory benefits.
- Not subject to disciplinary action for misconduct. Instead, the work
How do businesses know if WFA is right for them?
Businesses should consider some or all of the following factors to determine if WFA is suitable for them:
- The nature of the work they do. Some roles require physical presence, while others can be done entirely online.
- Their technology infrastructure. Adequate digital tools and secure networks are essential for adopting WFA.
- Their company culture. Assess whether your company culture can support a distributed workforce.
- Employee preferences. Do your employees want to work elsewhere? Gather their feedback regarding remote work.
What is a work from anywhere (WFA) agreement?
A WFA agreement is a formal document or policy outlining the terms and conditions for employees working from any location. It helps make sure both the company and WFA employees have clear expectations for their roles and responsibilities.
What does a work from anywhere (WFA) agreement include?
When drafting a WFA agreement, consider including these elements:
- Eligibility: Criteria for employees who can opt for WFA.
- Responsibilities: Employee duties and expectations while working remotely.
- Work hours (if applicable): Defined working hours and time zone considerations.
- Communication: Protocols for staying in touch with the team and management.
- Security rules: Measures for maintaining data security and privacy.
- Compliance: Adherence to local laws and tax regulations.
- Performance metrics: How productivity and performance will be measured.
Frequently asked questions about working from anywhere
What are some common work from anywhere (WFA) jobs?
In the digital age, many job types can shift to WFA, from software development to customer support to even healthcare roles.
Some of the most common remote and WFA roles today include:
- Product managers
- Account executives
- Administrative assistants
- Backend and full-stack software engineers
- Operations managers
- Project managers
- Sales managers
- Sales representatives
- Social media managers
- Customer success representatives
How can businesses support their work from anywhere (WFA) employees?
- Provide the right tools. Make sure employees have access to the technology and software they need.
- Encourage regular communication. Establish regular check-ins and team meetings to maintain connection.
- Provide training and development. Offer thorough and high-quality onboarding, development opportunities, training on remote work best practices, and other ongoing training.
- Write clear and consistent policies. Maintain clear and comprehensive WFA policies to set expectations and provide guidance—and enforce them consistently.
How do businesses handle time zone differences with WFA workers?
Time differences can be handled by:
- Allowing employees to work flexible hours that fit their time zones.
- Setting core hours where all employees are available for meetings and collaboration.
- Using tools like email and project management software to facilitate communication that doesn’t require real-time interaction.
- Thoroughly documenting communication and collaboration workflows to keep the whole team on the same page.
What are the legal considerations for implementing a WFA policy?
Legal considerations for a WFA policy include:
- Ensuring employees comply with tax regulations in their location.
- Adhering to local labor laws regarding work hours, overtime, and employee rights.
- Implementing measures to protect sensitive company and customer data.
How can businesses measure employee productivity when their workers are distributed?
Businesses can measure productivity by defining specific, measurable objectives for employees, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to output and efficiency, and conducting regular performance reviews and check-ins to discuss progress and address challenges.
Can only full-time employees work from anywhere?
No, both full-time and part-time employees, as well as independent contractors, can work from anywhere, depending on the company's policy and the nature of the job. The flexibility of WFA arrangements allows businesses to cater to different work schedules and employment types.
Where do businesses find WFA employees?
Businesses can find WFA employees through many different channels, but online job boards and job postings, like Remote.co, We Work Remotely, and Flexjobs, are the most common. To find workers who are a good fit for your open position, be sure to write a comprehensive, detailed job posting that includes relevant details and qualifications (For example, is the job entry level or does it require certain training or certifications? Is English proficiency required? Do candidates need to be available at certain times, like working hours in North America?).
Disclaimer: Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.