What used to be deemed a side hustle is now considered a full time gig. In a work environment landscape that has drastically changed, due in large part to technology and in some respects to the pandemic, you don’t have to commute to work to earn a living today. Work-from-home (wfh) jobs, for most companies, have become the new normal as 55% say it can flourish in their industry.
But what is considered a wfh job and is it different from a remote job? What kind of jobs can you do from home?
What is a WFH Job?
Work-from-home is sometimes used interchangeably with “remote work.” Although the two terms share similarities, they’re not the same. One is typically a benefit in many companies these days and the other is a permanent way of working, usually for freelance professionals.
A wfh job is a kind of remote work wherein you come into an office on some days and do your job at home on other days. It’s one of many emerging job trends that has become integrated into the policies of many companies. Remote work, on the other hand, is a permanent way of working for most online businesses and for startup business relying on freelance workers. Remote jobs require employees who are self-starters, proactive, and possess high levels of time management skills.
Although some businesses used to limit wfh jobs to computer and IT professionals, that’s no longer the case. These days, you’ll find a variety of businesses in different industries offering work-from-home policies.
WFH Jobs List
1. Customer Service Representative
Some companies will arrange a work-from-home option for their customer service representatives. It’s an ideal set up for employees who are single parents, people with disabilities, or lone caregivers to elderly parents. When your company mostly has foreign clients, you may be looking at an overnight wfh job as a customer representative.
2. Graphic Designer
If you’ve been freelancing a long while and now want a permanent posting at a company, some businesses do offer wfh arrangements for graphic designers. Good companies will have wfh jobs with equipment provided, so you can efficiently develop, create, and submit the required creative work.
3. Copywriter
Professional writers tend to have more flexibility with their employment. So if you’ve been writing for sales and marketing, you will find plenty of wfh jobs in different industries.
4. Blogger
Also with some room for flexibility, bloggers can be employed in businesses offering work-from-home set up for writers as well as earn income in freelance work. You could undertake both at the same time, provided the businesses are not in the same industry or competing for the same market. Blogging could be a good starting point if you’ve just graduated because some businesses are open to bloggers with no experience.
5. Editor
Similar to copywriters, editors are also able to work from home. Editing jobs will include proofreading, copy editing, and book editing. Some video editors may also be able to work from home if they have the necessary software and equipment.
6. Virtual Assistant
Some businesses operate fully online, offering services to entrepreneurs and small businesses. One of the wfh jobs is for virtual assistants who may have their own computer or laptop with headsets. Virtual assistants can do multiple tasks, from office management to travel arrangements. Other virtual assistants can specialize in bookkeeping, marketing and social media, and clerical work. So if you’re looking for less stressful work, you’ll find wfh data entry jobs as a virtual assistant.
7. Online Teacher/Trainer
The restrictions of the pandemic have given rise to online schools and the rapid development of virtual training in many companies. As an online teacher, you need only a stable internet connection and excellent audio and video tools.
8. Transcriptionist
Specialty companies typically offer wfh jobs, and one of those would be transcribing videos or complex documents. You could make a lucrative career as a transcriptionist with a stable company offering good compensation package.
9. Recruiter
Human resource management professionals may also be able to work anywhere. For some small businesses, they may provide wfh arrangements for their HR personnel.
10. Web Developer
Similar to graphic design work, web development may also be done from home. Some of the more experienced professionals may also be offered remote work for this highly technical, specialized job. Since a well-designed, high performing website is crucial to business performance, web developers may command a premium salary for their work or negotiate better terms for working from home.
11. SEO Specialist
Finally, search engine optimization specialists can help businesses grow their sales and revenue by making sure they rank on search and convert many prospects. SEO work can be done remotely or as a wfh option.
How Do You Request WFH from HR?
Every company will have different wfh policies, so learn them when you want to request this arrangement. In the information technology and business process management industry, companies follow the 70-30 hybrid work model: 70% of the workforce must report to the office while 30% can work from home. If you’re working for such a company, you may have to meet the eligibility for a wfh job. If you don’t meet eligibility but must stay close to home while doing your job, fill out a request form or write an email to HR.
Some reasons that may necessitate a wfh arrangement are:
- Medical reasons (e.g. debilitating illness)
- Emergencies
- Lengthy commute
- Parenting concerns
- Extremely bad weather
Procedures for requesting wfh arrangement will cover the period in which to send your request; approval from relevant managers who will consider all elements, from data privacy concerns and issues in team collaboration to the nature of your job and the condition of your home (i.e., suitability for a home office).
Before writing or applying for your request, talk it over with your supervisor. They may provide insight that could speed up approval.
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