Work from anywhere

What is work from anywhere?

Work from anywhere (WFA) is a flexible working model that allows employees to do their job from almost any location, provided they have the right tools and a reliable internet connection. Unlike traditional remote work, WFA isn't tied to a home office. People can work from different cities or countries, as long as they comply with their employer's work from anywhere policy, tax, legal, and security requirements.

How does a work-from-anywhere model work?

A work-from-anywhere (WFA) model gives employees the freedom to work from different locations while staying fully connected to their team. Most employers support WFA by putting a work-from-anywhere policy in place that covers:

• Eligible roles and employees  

• Approved countries or locations  

• Working hours and availability  

• Data security and company equipment  

• Tax, immigration, and legal requirements  

• Communication and performance expectations

Why are more businesses adopting work from anywhere?

91% of UK organisations now offer some form of flexible working, and 61% say advertising flexibility helps attract talent, according to CIPD's 2025 research. Meanwhile, 80% of employees say flexible working has improved their quality of life, making it a major factor in recruitment and retention.  

As a result, more businesses are embracing work from anywhere to:

• Access a wider global talent pool  

• Fill skills gaps faster  

• Improve employee retention  

• Support better work-life balance  

• Build a more flexible, distributed workforce without being limited by location

Benefits of work from anywhere

A work from anywhere model creates advantages for both businesses and their employees. Employers can hire without geographical limits, while employees gain more flexibility over where and how they work.

For employers

• Access to a wider global talent pool  

• Lower office and hiring costs  

• Better employee retention  

• Easier business expansion into new markets  

For employees

• Greater flexibility over where they live and work  

• Better work-life balance  

• More opportunities to work for international companies  

• Reduced commuting time and costs

Challenges businesses should consider

While work from anywhere offers greater flexibility, it also comes with additional responsibilities. Before allowing employees to work across different locations or countries, businesses should consider:

• Employment laws and tax obligations  

• Immigration and visa requirements  

• Payroll and benefits compliance  

• Data security and cybersecurity risks  

• Time zone differences and team collaboration  

• Clear communication and performance management

What should a work-from-anywhere policy include?

A clear work-from-anywhere policy helps employees understand what's expected while protecting the business from legal and operational risks. Although every organisation's needs differ, most WFA policies cover:

• Eligible roles and employees  

• Approved countries or locations  

• Working hours and availability  

• Data protection and cybersecurity requirements  

• Equipment and expense policies  

• Tax, payroll and legal compliance  

• Performance expectations and communication guidelines

Is work from anywhere the same as remote work?

Not quite. Both allow employees to work outside a traditional office, but they're not the same. Remote work usually means working from a fixed location, such as home. Work from anywhere offers much greater flexibility, allowing employees to work from different cities or countries, provided they meet company policies and legal requirements.

Work from anywhere gives businesses greater hiring flexibility, but success depends on having the right policies, processes and compliance in place.

FAQs

1. Can employees work from another country?

Yes, but only if the employer allows it. Businesses must consider tax, employment law, immigration, payroll, and data protection requirements before employees work from another country.

2. Is work from anywhere suitable for every business?

Not always. It works best for roles that rely on digital tools. Businesses with location-dependent or customer-facing jobs may need a hybrid or office-based approach instead.

3. What industries commonly use work from anywhere?

Technology, marketing, finance, consulting, customer support, design, and professional services commonly use work from anywhere. Any business with digital-first roles can successfully adopt the model.

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