21 Myth Buster FAQs about Remote Work

Busting the Myths

Here we bust the myths about Remote Work, and answer 21 of the frequently asked questions. With our webinar running and more enquiries coming through we will keep you updated on remote work trends.

1.WWill I be lonely as a remote worker?

One of the major myths surrounding remote work is that people who don’t work in a corporate office are lonely. To make sure that you’re feeling supported and connected to the “real world”, we recommend becoming a part of a remote community - either virtually or in-person at a local co-working space or collective. We’ve found that being surrounded by others who are successfully working remotely inspires beginners to stay the course and remain productive while embracing location flexibility.

Depending on your ‘office’ set up. Generally we recommend arranging coffee meetings via Skype in the morning, throughout the day Skype messages, phone calls during the day. If you need one on one contact and remote contact is not satisfactory, office work may suit you better. However, we have more than 10 years experience in remote work with the above mentioned office setup. 

2.  What is your objective with this job ?

Do you have the skill sets for the position or is it a stepping stone or a long term position?

3.  Is it suitable for all locations?

Yes, as long as you have a stable internet connection you can work from any place and even enjoy the beautiful views of South Africa’s nature.

4.  How do I determine if I have the skill set for the job? 

Personal accountability and self-motivation are crucial for success in remote work. A great dress rehearsal would be:

• Consider how social you are
• Ask your family and friends for honest feedback on your independence, accountability and self-motivation (this crucial for remote work)
• Cold call a stranger - remote work still requires a significant amount of communication.
• Request a remote work trial. Covid-19 already put you in a trial by working remotely. If you aren't currently employed, you won’t have much of a choice but to create a similar environment for your job-search tasks.

5.  What technology do I require? 

• Stable internet, 
• Extra computer screen will be helpful, 
• Computer with adequate memory (8 gigabytes ram although 12/16 would be more ideal 
• Internet -  where to log in to test upload and download speed . 
• Noise cancellation headphones.(Creative ChatMax HS-720 Headset - USB - must be USB connection. These are brilliant and very comfortable to wear for a long time) 
• Way to work around load shedding (SA) is extremely important

6.  What do I require to set up a remote workspace? 

As an on-the-move professional, your workspace quickly becomes your home away from home, and you should stock it with all of the items you need to be an efficient employee and a happy human. 

Here are our suggestions:

• • Notepad
  • Headphones
  • Personal Touch
  • Chargers and adapters
  • Proper lighting
  • Ergonomic chair to support your back (body posture)
• Notepad - we know the world has gone digital. In fact, many of us handle most of our responsibilities via the internet, but a pad of paper always comes in handy. Whether you need to sketch something that sparks your creativity, or you need to jot something down worth remembering, keeping a notebook nearby is never a bad idea. Grab a few pens in a variety of colors, and enjoy getting offline for a while.
• Headphones - some people work better with background noise, until another customer at the café you’re working at starts a loud conversation with his friend  and you can hear every word. Make sure to have a pair of noise-cancelling headphones handy for when you need to plug in and focus. Bonus: many headphones have an attached microphone, so it’s easier than ever to jump into conference calls with your coworkers. (Creative ChatMax HS-720 Headset - USB. It must have a USB connection. These are brilliant and very comfortable headphones to wear for a long time ) 
• ‍Personal Touch - Your remote workspace should be the place where you feel most focused, creative and, most importantly, like yourself. To integrate your personality into your everyday, bring something small but personal with you to work. Whether it’s a framed photograph of family or friends, or a succulent that brightens up the space, a personal touch will always go far in reminding you why you’re passionate about your work.
• Chargers and Adapters - This one is huge. If you ask any remote worker, they’d be the first to tell you that they can’t live without their technology. To avoid any mishaps or days spent in a haze of unproductivity, keep your chargers in the bag that you use to transport your necessities to and from your workspace. Then, pack extras. You never know what friends you’ll make when you come prepared and ready to share.
• Portable Laptop Accessories - Laptop fatigue is a real thing. When you need the flexibility to work from anywhere without straining your hands and wrists, a portable keyboard and mouse can come in handy. With these tech tools, your remote workspace will start to feel like an efficient environment and encourage you to stay on task. Another item to consider is a foldable laptop stand. Keeping your laptop at eye-level will allow your neck and shoulders to stay relaxed, and keep your posture perfect through hours of productivity.
• ‍Filtered Water Bottle - As you work in different cities, you’ll become accustomed to what amenities are available to you at your remote workspace. If bottled water isn’t available to purchase, bringing a filtered water bottle with you to work can be convenient. Not only will you have clean water to drink, but you’ll feel hydrated throughout the workday.
• Webcam - For team meetings and conference calls, a webcam is an essential piece of equipment for a remote worker. Your laptop may already have one embedded, but external options are also available. Make sure that you choose a webcam that is compatible with your specific laptop before starting your travels for the best results.
• ‍Snacks & Health -  Make sure you have healthy snacks and enough fluids at your side. A quick stretch for a coffee break will help with the blood flow and refresh your mind.

7.  Will it be financially viable for me? 

Yes, the fact that there are various opportunities to get work and the fact that you get paid in Pounds and Dollars will be a benefit compared to the Rand currency.

8.  What about Payments, Tax & Benefits?

If you work internationally, you do not work as an employee.  You are then self employed.  Payment terms will depend on the type of work and Employer contract. There are weekly, bi-weekly (fortnightly) and monthly payment terms. 

You need to do your tax submissions, pay your own Tax, pension, provident fund etc. We will give you a guide for taxation and submissions. Some Companies may include benefits. This will be stipulated in your contract.

9.  Will I get a pension? 

The employer of an ‘employee’ working in a different country will not be bound by the employment tax restrictions applicable to their company registration. Thus, they will not be bound to contribute to your NI, PAYE contributions or pension contributions.  This would be an attractive measure for the employer.  You will have to fund your own private pension.  This is always an aspect that can be addressed in your employment contract/ terms of service.

10.  What are my working hours? 

This depends on the employer’s terms and country. We have an International Timetable that you can use.

• Fixed hours - if you for example need to answer telephone calls, say 10:00 - 18:00 in the time tone you would be working in.
• Semi Flexible - need to be in the office at specific times but subject to change. This will allow you to arrange with your employee the time you would be off, enabling you to do the school run etc.
• No fixed times - job targets need to be met, time per day devoted to the work not predetermined.

Whatever your work hours, ensure you are familiar with the notice period to take time off and abide by that, whether a couple of hours or days. Most employers will understand that remote working is more flexible than standard office work but the limits need to be established. Generally, taking time off on a few hour’s notice or a day’s notice is not acceptable.

Important aspect of employment to avail yourself with the relevant dates and

Time Zones: Go to https://everytimezone.com to check your area and time differences.

11.  What will the cost be in regards to GVW to get started? 

GVW does not have any joining fees or application fees. There might be a small fee for the verification / vetting process, depending on the employer's requirements. Most employers will carry the costs.

12.  Will I be able to interact socially online with other GVW workers? 

At GVW we are eager to boost social interaction. All GVW workers will have access to our platform to have ‘coffee meetings’, chat and interact. 

13.  How do I cope and remove distractions? 

Get a separate room to use as an office, if possible. Set boundaries for family members of the household. Use an electronic device / electronic diary to note your work goals for the day.

14.  How do I eliminate network problems? 

To have a back-up plan with the unstable networks in SA, is always a benefit. We recommend a Fiber / Wi-Fi and a separate network USB modem (Router) is advisable.. 

There are options like an Off-line UPS, Wi-Fi Bridge, Port link that plugs into your router and will enable you to continue working, while the power is off.

15.  What Task Management Systems can I use? 

Available systems such as Click, monday.com, wrike, scoro, celoxis, backlog, zoho and google calendar can be explored to suit your needs.

16.  Public (bank) holidays and daylight saving time? 

You are working in the geological location of your employer's head office, not where you live. Thus, you will be off on public (bank) holidays, abiding by their time zones. 

17.  Know your personality: are you a multitasker or easily distractible? 

At the start of your remote work journey, it’s a great idea to figure out the environment that you need to work successfully. For example, do you like being surrounded by white noise? A café may be the best choice for you. Work well in silence? It might be time to invest in some noise-cancelling headphones. Other things to consider are whether you’re more productive in the morning or in the evening and whether you’re motivated by taking small breaks throughout the day or a longer midday respite. This is the beauty of remote work - getting to work during your best hours, whatever they may be.

18.  What to consider as my workspace?

Set yourself up for success in a place where you can focus on the tasks at hand. Whether this means you find a great co-working space near you, explore a local coffee shop or create a designated spot for work at home, make sure that you feel motivated by your environment and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

19.  Time for self-care? 

When the line between “work” and “home” starts to blur, you might find yourself stuck to your computer screen for a longer period of time (see next point). While that can sometimes be necessary when closing a major deal or finalizing an important presentation, give yourself time for, well, you!  Commit to your fitness routine and make sure that you’re creating blocks in your schedule to eat healthy, nutritious meals so that you can be focused and productive when you need to be.

The benefits of remote work can stretch into your life outside of work, as well. With increased flexibility, you can take time to make sure you’re not missing life’s important moments. As a remote worker, you can take care of your kids without worrying about leaving the office during standard business hours.  You can decide to work from any location around the world and you can even book that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off, because it didn’t work with your schedule.

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20.  Know when to “log off”!

This can be one of the most challenging aspects for remote work beginners, as the world is becoming increasingly connected. Though you may receive emails and chat notifications at any hour (especially if you’re working in a different time zone than your coworkers), it’s important to develop a habit of setting a time when you officially “log off” for the night. The best part of working remotely is having the flexibility to work when you are most productive, so be careful about setting the standard that you are available 24/7.

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21.  Embrace the perks of working remotely?

Working remotely doesn’t just apply to those who would work from home or in the same region as their company’s office. If it’s possible with your current position, take your talent on the road! On remote (gap) years, employees, freelancers and entrepreneurs work from places like Europe,  South Africa, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Cape Town, Lisbon and Mexico City - all while enjoying the support of an incredible community.

Now that you’re working remotely, life will look a little bit different (and a little more awesome). However, if you rely on the tips that we’ve listed above, the transition from to the freedom of a flexible work style will be smooth and successful.

References: https://remoteyear.com/itineraries, https://everytimezone.com, https://remoteyear.com/blog/what-companies-are-getting-wrong-about-remote-work, https://remoteyear.com/experience/community, https://globalvillageworker.com.