The True Meaning of WFH and How it Differs From Remote Working

What It Means to WFH (Work From Home)

“Work From Home” means exactly what you’d expect it to: working from your home environment. Approximately 14% of British employees work from home permanently, while many others work a hybrid model, spending some days at home and some in the office.

What It Means to Work Remotely

Remote working is a broader term that indicates working from a location that’s away from your office or place of work; this may include working from home. For example, if you have a remote work contract, you might spend some of your time working from home, some of your time working in cafes, and some of your time working abroad or in other parts of the country. This arrangement can be flexible or inflexible depending on your employer.

WFH vs. Remote Work: Why They Aren’t Always the Same

People quite often assume WFH to mean the same thing as remote working, but it’s generally best not to expect that that’s the case. These types of contracts can mean different things to different employers. For example, one employer may state that employees can WFH but make working from a home address an absolute rule (e.g. a staff member can’t just work from a café instead). Another might grant employees WFH and actually offer more flexibility over location, despite using the same term. 

The same can also happen with jobs advertised as “remote”. By “remote”, one employer might mean that employees can work wherever suits them best. Yet, another employer might limit remote working to set locations. This can be influenced by everything from DSE safety requirements to data protection protocols and should always be clarified before a working arrangement is started. 

Benefits of Both Approaches

Like many types of flexible working, when it comes to benefits, both WFH and remote work can improve wellbeing and create a more productive workforce. 

Working from home can be particularly beneficial for staff because it can:

• Reduce distractions from busy, open offices. This can be especially tough for staff with neurodivergence who may experience sensory difficulties.
• Reduce time and money spent on long commutes. This not only has financial benefits, but it can also support better mental and physical health, which can be compromised by fatigue from excessive travel and a lack of time spent with family or friends.
• Give staff the opportunity to work where they’re most relaxed and comfortable. Being allowed to stay home may help someone to feel more confident and like themselves without constantly having to mask or maintain a polished work persona. It can also create psychological safety. This might mean a person feels more able to work through mental health struggles that would otherwise become a barrier to productivity within a traditional work environment. According to research, there has been a rise in “presenteeism” in the workplace. This is where staff work when unwell, and is shown to lead to burnout and increased stress.

Similarly, working remotely offers advantages to staff because it can:

• Increase opportunities for social interaction. Sometimes WFH staff find that they become isolated or struggle to find opportunities to socialise. Remote working helps to combat this as staff members have the option to be in an environment where they can co-work or where there are other people around.

• Support “digital nomad”-style travel opportunities: Depending on the employer’s tax arrangement, some companies are happy for staff to work from other locations or countries, so long as work gets completed. This has big perks for travel enthusiasts, as it means they can be in the office during core hours and out adventuring for the rest of the day. It can also mean staff don’t have to miss family breaks due to awkward dates that clash with work.

• Increase exciting opportunities: With both WFH and remote working, a person can work for a high-paying tech hub while living in a rural area where housing is affordable. This creates a level of financial freedom that wouldn’t be possible with in-person working.

How Remote and WFH Fit Into Different Ways of Working

As with any flexible working arrangement, there are a few things to take into account before trying out a new setup. Consider the following questions if you’re weighing up different working options:

Are you easily distracted? If you need total silence to focus, WFH is the winner here. It allows you to control your environment without the unpredictability of a public space. 

Do you thrive in busy environments or prefer to be somewhere quiet? Those who draw energy from others often prefer remote working because it allows for a change of scenery. However, if you find “water cooler” chat draining, the predictability of a dedicated home office (WFH) can help to preserve your social energy for your life outside of work.

Do you like to travel or need to be in different places for family commitments or similar? If you plan to work from a relative’s house or a holiday rental, you need a remote contract. A strict WFH agreement may legally tether you to your home postcode for insurance and tax purposes. True remote work offers the geographic freedom to stay mobile without dipping into your annual leave.

Do you enjoy working in spaces where there are likeminded people? To avoid the “silo” effect of digital work, remote working allows you to seek out industry-specific hubs or coworking spaces. This keeps you connected to a professional community, whereas WFH is generally a solitary experience.

FAQs

If I’m entitled to WFH, does that mean I can work remotely?

Not necessarily. Different employers can mean different things by “WFH”. It’s best to check your contract for the specifics or reach out to your employer for more info. If you’re applying for a new job and it states “WFH” but doesn’t go into much detail, it’s best to clarify this with the recruiter. Sometimes WFH jobs allow you to work remotely in other places, but this isn’t guaranteed.

I want to work from home – how should I approach this with my manager?

If you’d like to work from home for reasons other than disability or long-term illness, you’ll need to explain why working from home will help you to do your job more effectively. Whether it’s fewer distractions, better focus, reduced commuting fatigue, or improved wellbeing, be clear about what you’re asking for (full‑time WFH, hybrid days, or occasional flexibility) and suggest how you’ll maintain communication, productivity, and availability. Framing it as a trial period can also make the conversation easier for both sides.

Do I have a legal right to WFH?

No, you don’t have an automatic legal right to work from home, but you do have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment. Employers must consider the request reasonably and give a valid business reason if they refuse. The outcome depends on your role, operational needs, and any health or accessibility adjustments you may require.