Study the 20 vocabulary terms below. Then continue to the activities.
- Asynchronous
- AFK (away from keyboard)
- Blended work
- Cloud storage
- Collaboration tool
- Coworking
- Digital nomad
- DM (direct message)
- Distributed team
- Expat (expatriate)
- Eyestrain
- Remote
- Screen mirroring
- Screen sharing
- SaaS (Software as a Service)
- Telecommute
- VA (virtual assistant)
- VPN (virtual private network)
- WFA (work from anywhere)
- WFH (work from home)
Adjective
not at the same time
"When a team is spread over several locations, especially in different timezones, they will almost always work using asynchronous tools such as email, Teams, or Slack."
Interjection
a phrase to let others know that you won't be on your computer and therefore not engage with them for a while
"Just letting you know I'll be AFK for a few hours."
Noun (concept)
a model where employees can perform their duties when and where they want
New parents especially are loving the increased availability of blended work, as it allows them to spend more time at home with their children while still working full-time.
Noun (concept)
a digital space where data can be saved online
There are many cloud storage providers, such as Dropbox, Google Cloud Platform, and Amazon Web Services.
Noun (thing)
any online service that allow two or more people to work on the same task together
Collaboration tools like Google Workspace, Trello, etc. are very popular for team projects, as it allows all team members to view the same calendar, edit the same documents, and complete their tasks more smoothly together.
Verb (infinitive)
people from different companies or self-employed people completing their tasks in the same space, usually to create a productive environment and share equipment or knowledge
As a freelancer, I like to go to coworking spaces, as I tend to be more productive there.
Noun (person)
a person who regularly changes their location while fulfilling their job responsibilities
Passionate travelers often become digital nomads, as this lifestyle allows them to see the world while still having a steady job.
Noun (thing)
a private communication between two parties that is sent via an online platform
"If you are interested in my proofreading services, you can DM me on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram to request a personal price quote."
Noun (concept)
members of the same group working in different locations
We are a distributed team with team members in Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Indonesia, so we connect on Zoom for meetings.
Noun (person)
a person who lives and works in another country than their place of origin
Expats often form communities, as it can be comforting to connect with other foreigners in an unfamiliar place.
Noun (concept)
tired or painful eyes after overexerting them
His neck was stiff and he had an eyestrain from staring at his screen for too long.
Adjective
removed in distance, time, or relation
This job posting is remote-friendly, meaning the person filling the position will be able to work away from a central location.
Verb (infinitive)
projecting what is displayed on one's device onto another monitor
There are wired and wireless options for screen mirroring, such as using an HDMI cable, or connecting devices via a network.
Verb (infinitive)
giving another person access to what is displayed on one's device
Most popular video communication tools like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet have screen sharing options to facilitate communication.
Noun (concept)
a business model licensing cloud-based web applications to clients via subscription
SaaS is a very broad spectrum, ranging from email providers to cloud storage, and more.
Verb (infinitive)
to electronically link to a company for work
I use my company's intranet to telecommute every day.
Noun (person)
a person who provides remote support, often involving secretarial tasks
As a VA, I do research, take calls, schedule meetings, and arrange travel plans for my employer, while all our communication happens online.
Noun (concept)
a tool that enables users to establish a private connection while being connected to the internet publicly, encrypting the person's online identity and activity
Many people like to use a VPN for more privacy while being online.
Noun (concept)
an arrangement where an employee completes their tasks from any location of their choosing
I have a WFA arrangement with my employer, which is great because I love working from quaint little cafes and feeling like I am in a movie.
Noun (concept)
an arrangement where an employee completes their tasks at their residence
Work from home can be a temporary or permanent arrangement, depending on the employer and situation.