‘Remote work isn’t privilege anymore, it’s a different operating model, and deserves equal respect,’ says Talent Acquisition Expert

In a recent post on LinkedIn, Talent Acquisition Expert Rihana Bhat discussed a concerning trend in the treatment of remote workers, shedding light on how compensation practices may be undervaluing those working from home.

Bhat shared a candid exchange with an HR professional who remarked, “We pay people less for remote roles because they’re not coming to the office.”

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Talent Acquisition Expert’s perspective on remote work

The statement struck a chord with Bhat, prompting her to share her perspective on the true nature of remote work.

She explained that office work often involves frequent breaks: tea and lunch pauses, smoke breaks, impromptu meetings before or after breaks, and even navigating the stress of traffic. In contrast, remote workers, she argues, often have to manage an entirely different set of demands.

“Remote work means being constantly available for Zoom calls, staying reachable on mobile or laptop at all hours, and often having no fixed work hours,” Bhat explained. “While you might save time on the commute, remote work quietly chips away at your personal time, your mental space, and most importantly, your boundaries.”

For remote workers, the lines between professional and personal life can become dangerously blurred, leaving little room for downtime or separation from work.

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Bhat explained that it’s not about working less; it’s about working differently, often even more intensively, as the boundaries between work and life continue to dissipate.

She strongly advocates for a pay structure based on impact, output, and accountability, not on whether an employee physically occupies an office chair.

According to Bhat, remote work is no longer a privilege but an evolving operating model that deserves equal respect and equitable compensation.

As remote work continues to redefine traditional work structures, Bhat’s message resonates louder than ever that it is time to recognise the true value of remote work and compensate it fairly.

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