What is remote working? A complete guide

Once seen as a perk reserved for freelancers or digital nomads, remote working is now firmly embedded in the way modern businesses operate. But what is remote working exactly? How does it work in practice, and how can your business tap into its full potential? In this guide, we’re unpacking everything remote working, including the advantages, challenges, and what businesses can do to make sure it’s as safe and effective as possible. Whether you’re already embracing remote work or are just dipping your digital toes in, you’ll find practical insights to shape a future-proof strategy.

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Understanding remote working

So, how does remote working work?

At its core, remote working means employees can perform their jobs from outside the traditional office environment—whether that’s from home, a co-working space, or a café with decent Wi-Fi. It hinges on the right blend of digital tools, secure access, and smooth communication.

Here are a few important things you need to make remote working as efficient as possible:

Cloud technology: Centralised, secure access to documents, files, and systems from anywhere in the world.
Collaboration tools: Tools like Microsoft 355 Copilot and its suite of applications help to drive efficiency, productivity, and collaboration.
Secure connectivity: Advanced remote working cyber security measures and a company-wide awareness of GDPR data protection responsibilities are vital, no matter where your team is logging in from.
Project and workflow management: With tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot powered by AI, teams can learn from time-saving tips, tricks, and shortcuts that improve productivity.

When implemented well, remote working isn’t just a change of scenery—it’s a reimagining of how we work.

Key advantages of remote working

Sign pointing left, right and forward

Improved productivity

Personalised workspaces and less commuting boost productivity, 70% of Microsoft 365 Copilot users report improved efficiency.

Greater flexibility

Employees can better manage their schedules, leading to a healthier work-life balance and reduced burnout.

Cost savings

There is less need for office space, utility bills, commuting expenses, on-site facility maintenance, and office supplies.

Stronger employee retention

Giving staff more autonomy is a powerful retention tool—especially for digital-first generations.

Addressing remote working challenges

Of course, it’s not all sunshine emojis. There are genuine challenges of remote working that need careful planning and the right technology to overcome.

Isolation and disconnection: Without the office chat or impromptu team lunches, it’s easy to feel out of the loop. Regular check-ins, virtual socials, and inclusive team culture help bridge the gap.
Productivity tracking: Managers may feel uncertain about who’s doing what. Transparent KPIs, clear workflows, and trust-based leadership can alleviate these concerns.
Cyber security risks: Unsecured home networks and personal devices can expose businesses to threats. A robust cyber security strategy is crucial to keep data protected.

The good news? These challenges are more than manageable—with the right strategy, support, and tools in place.

Remote working vs other models

Remote Working vs Hybrid Working:

Hybrid working blends in-office and remote days, giving many employees the best of both worlds. It offers greater flexibility than fully office-based roles, but also retains some face-to-face time.

Remote working, on the other hand, allows full location independence. While this can boost autonomy, it requires more deliberate communication strategies and culture-building efforts.

Remote Working vs In-Office Work:

Traditional office work provides in-person collaboration, spontaneous problem-solving, and (depending on your office) decent coffee.

But remote working trumps on flexibility, commute reduction, and work-life balance. It also widens your talent pool—you’re no longer hiring just within a commutable radius.

Remote Working vs Working from Home:

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. Working from home refers specifically to remote work based at your house, whereas remote working covers any work done outside a central office—home, co-working spaces, abroad, you name it.

So, while all home workers are remote workers, not all remote workers are home-based.

Working From Home Remotely Stay Safe Online

How Focus Group can support your remote working strategy

Implementing remote working successfully isn’t just about letting staff take their laptops home—it requires rock-solid tech and expert support.

At Focus Group, we help businesses build agile, secure remote working environments with:

Reliable connectivity to keep everyone online and in sync.
Remote cyber security for staff, whether they’re on the move or working from home. We can take care of all this for you so you can pour all your energy into growing your business.
Remote employee monitoring software to view employee performance remotely, helping to increase engagement and identify productivity bottlenecks.
Secure communication solutions that protect data and enable collaboration, including Office 365.
Cloud-hosted services that let teams access tools and documents from anywhere.
MiFi remote worker broadband, helping remote workers with poor quality broadband or connectivity issues. Our business MiFi deals can help everyone connect quickly and efficiently.
Expert guidance and ongoing support to help you navigate the shift and thrive.

Ready to optimise your remote working strategy? Speak to our experts today.

Customer stories

View customer stories

Sussex County Cricket Club

While the team focus on their performance on the pitch, Focus Group focus on providing essential technology services to the club.

Somerset House

Focus Group guided Somerset House through the adoption of a cloud-first strategy to enable a future-proof digital transformation.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Focus Group is a long-time partner and supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion, helping the team both win off and on the pitch.