Introduction

The world of remote work comes with its own unique language. Whether you’re new to remote work or have been doing it for a while, understanding key terms is vital to thrive in the virtual workplace. Below, we explain 21 essential terms used by remote workers, focusing on those that can be tricky, with examples for better understanding.

A – F

1. Agile: A project management method that breaks work into smaller, manageable tasks to allow for continuous progress.

Example: In software development, Agile teams update clients regularly, enabling flexibility and ensuring projects evolve based on feedback.

2. Asynchronous Communication: Communication that doesn’t require an immediate response, letting team members respond in their own time.

Example: An email asking for updates on a project can be answered at any time, unlike a live Zoom call where immediate responses are needed.

3. Blended Work Team: A team made up of both in-office and remote employees.

Example: A sales team with some members in the main office and others working from home creates a blended work team.

4. Cloud Storage: Storing files on the internet so they can be accessed from anywhere.

Example: Google Drive and Dropbox allow employees to store documents online, making collaboration easy no matter where workers are based.

5. Collaboration Tools: Digital platforms that help teams work together on projects, manage tasks, and track progress.

Example: Tools like Trello allow teams to assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress visually through boards and lists.

G – L

6. Gig Economy: A job market where short-term, freelance, or contract work is more common than permanent roles.

Example: Uber drivers, freelance designers, and temporary contract developers contribute to the gig economy.

7. Hot Desking: A setup where desks are shared on a first-come, first-served basis.

Example: Employees don't have assigned desks and can choose any available one when they come to the office.

8. Hybrid Teams: A mix of remote and in-office workers who collaborate across different locations.

Example: A tech company might have software developers working from home, while customer support operates from the office, forming a hybrid team.

9. Independent Contractor Compliance (IC Compliance): Legal rules that differentiate contractors from employees, focusing on work freedom and tax treatment.

Example: In the U.S., contractors set their hours and prices, but they must pay self-employment taxes, unlike employees, whose taxes are withheld by employers.

10. Internet of Things (IoT): Devices connected to the internet, allowing them to send and receive data without human intervention.

Example: Smart thermostats that adjust temperatures remotely, or fitness trackers that sync with your phone, are examples of IoT devices.

11. Job Sharing: When two or more part-time employees share the responsibilities of one full-time job.

Example: Two part-time employees in a marketing department may share a role, ensuring that all tasks are covered while maintaining work-life balance.

Read More : Global Work Glossary (gloroots.com)

M – S

12. Mobile Worker: An employee who works from various locations instead of a fixed office.

Example: A consultant who travels to different client sites and occasionally works from a café or coworking space is a mobile worker.

13. Offshoring: Moving part of a company’s operations to another country to reduce costs.

Example: A U.S. tech company might offshore its customer service department to the Philippines, where labor costs are lower.

14. Outsourcing: Hiring an external company to handle specific business tasks or processes.

Example: A company outsources its IT helpdesk to a third-party provider to save costs and focus on core business functions.

15. Professional Employer Organization (PEO): A service that handles HR tasks for small businesses, including payroll and compliance.

Example: A startup uses a PEO to manage employee benefits, payroll, and tax filing, allowing the founders to focus on product development.

16. Synchronous Communication: Communication that happens in real-time, requiring immediate responses.

Example: A team Slack chat or a video conference call where participants discuss issues live and respond immediately.

T – Z

17. Telecommute: Working from a location outside the traditional office, often from home.

Example: A graphic designer telecommutes from home two days a week while working in the office the rest of the time.

18. Virtual Assistant: A remote worker who provides administrative support, such as managing emails, scheduling meetings, or handling customer service.

Example: A CEO hires a virtual assistant to manage their calendar and coordinate meetings with global clients.

19. VPN (Virtual Private Network): A secure, encrypted internet connection that allows remote workers to access company data safely.

Example: A remote employee uses a VPN to securely log in to the company’s internal system from a coffee shop.

20. Workation: A combination of work and vacation, where employees work remotely from a holiday destination.

Example: A digital marketer takes a workation, completing tasks from a beachfront hotel in Bali.

21. Work from Anywhere (WFA): A flexible work arrangement where employees can perform their duties from any location, not just their home or office.

Example: A software developer participates in WFA, coding from their home one day and a coworking space the next.

Read More : Global Work Glossary (gloroots.com)

Conclusion 

Understanding these key terms helps you navigate the remote work environment more effectively, especially as companies continue to adopt flexible and distributed work models. Whether you're handling your own taxes as a freelancer or working across time zones with distributed teams, knowing the right terms can help smooth communication and streamline your workflow.

Ready to hire globally or manage a remote team? Let Gloroots handle payroll, compliance, and HR management while you focus on growing your business. Speak to a Gloroots advisor today to streamline your global workforce management!.