Work from home: Meaning, Definition & Examples

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Work from home (WFH)

What is work from home?

Work from home (WFH) is a way of working where employees carry out their jobs from home instead of travelling to a company office. Using digital tools to stay connected, they can collaborate with colleagues, attend meetings, and complete their day-to-day responsibilities while working remotely.

How does work from home work?

For most businesses, working from home follows the same day-to-day processes as office-based work. The main difference is where employees work, not how they work.

Typically, employers provide:

A laptop and any equipment needed to do the job

Secure access to company systems and files

Collaboration tools for meetings, messaging, and project management

Clear working hours, communication guidelines, and performance expectations

A work from home policy covering security, health and safety, and remote working arrangements

Work from home is now part of modern business

Working from home is no longer a temporary response to the pandemic. According to various latest research, 13% of workers in Great Britain worked entirely from home in 2025, while 28% worked in a hybrid arrangement, showing that remote working remains a normal way of doing business.

For employers, a successful work from home model can:

Reduce office and operational costs

Access talent beyond a single location

Improve employee satisfaction and retention

Support business continuity during disruption

What should a work-from-home policy include?

A clear work-from-home policy helps employees understand what's expected of them and gives managers a consistent framework to follow. It should cover practical day-to-day arrangements, including:

Eligibility: Which roles can work from home and how often

Working hours: Core hours, availability, and break times

Communication: Expectations for meetings, response times, and collaboration

Equipment: What the business provides and who's responsible for maintenance

Data security: Rules for handling company information and using secure devices

Health and safety: Guidance for creating a safe home working environment

Performance: How objectives, productivity, and outcomes will be measured

Challenges of work from home (and how employers can manage them)

Work from home offers plenty of advantages, but it also comes with challenges. A simple checklist can help employers stay ahead of common issues.

Challenge	How Employers Can Manage It
Communication gaps	Schedule regular check-ins and use shared collaboration tools.
Data security risks	Provide secure devices, VPN access, and clear cybersecurity guidelines.
Employee isolation	Encourage team meetings, social catchups, and occasional in-person collaboration where possible.
Difficulty tracking workloads	Set clear goals and measure performance by outcomes rather than hours worked.
Work-life boundaries	Promote reasonable working hours and encourage employees to switch off after work.
Health and safety	Carry out home working risk assessments and provide guidance on workstation setup.

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Work from home vs remote work

The terms work from home and remote work are closely related, but they describe slightly different ways of working.

Feature	Work from Home (WFH)	Remote Work
Work location	Employees work from their home.	Employees can work from any location, including home, coworking spaces, or another country.
Working arrangement	Usually follows a fixed home working arrangement.	Offers greater flexibility over where work is carried out.
Work model	Often part of a hybrid working policy.	May be fully remote with no office requirement.
Designated workplace	Home is the designated workplace.	The workplace can change depending on the employer's policy.
Common use	Common for businesses with local employees.	Common for companies hiring talent across different cities or countries.

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In short: Work from home is one type of remote work. While everyone working from home is working remotely, remote employees aren't limited to their homes and may work from wherever their employer allows.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can every job be done from home?

No. Jobs that require physical presence, such as manufacturing, healthcare or retail, usually can't be performed from home. Work from home is best suited to roles that rely mainly on computers and digital communication.

2. Does a company need a work from home policy?

Yes. A work from home policy sets clear expectations around working hours, equipment, security, communication, and performance. It helps employers manage remote teams consistently while reducing confusion and compliance risks.

3. What equipment do employers usually provide?

Many employers provide a laptop, monitor, keyboard, headset, and any software needed for the role. Some also contribute towards office furniture or internet costs, depending on company policy.

4. Can work from home improve productivity?

It can. Many employees are more productive at home thanks to fewer distractions and commuting time. However, success depends on clear goals, effective communication, suitable technology, and good management practices.