homeworker
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈəʊmwɜːkə/
US
- /ˈhoʊmˌwɜrkər/
Description
- remote worker
- person working from home
- at-home employee
A "homeworker" is a person who works from home instead of going to an office, shop, or other workplace. The word is about where the work happens, not the kind of job the person does. You might picture a designer working at the kitchen table, a support agent answering calls from a spare room, or a writer spending the day in a small study. The term often appears in talks about flexible work, remote jobs, and changes in everyday working life.
The term "homeworker" describes a person who does their job from home as their usual place of work. In modern use, it often means someone in a remote or work-from-home role. In some contexts, especially older or more formal ones, it can also mean someone who is paid to do work at home, such as sewing, packing, or assembling goods for a company.
The rise of homeworking has been driven by reliable internet access, video calls, messaging tools, and a wider belief that many jobs do not need a fixed office. Companies may use this kind of arrangement to lower costs, hire people from more places, and give workers more flexibility. For many people, it can mean more control over the day and less time spent commuting.
Still, the arrangement can bring challenges. A homeworker may need to set clear boundaries between work and home life, deal with loneliness, or make sure the home workspace is comfortable and safe. You may see the word in company policies, job ads, or articles about flexible work. It is close in meaning to "remote worker" or "telecommuter," but it puts extra attention on the fact that the work is done at home. For example, a company might say, "More homeworkers joined the team this year as we expanded our remote roles."
Examples
- 1
Business benefits
The company gives homeworkers a monthly allowance for internet and electricity.
Usage
often used in business English, especially in British English
- 2
Work-life tradeoff
Some homeworkers miss the social side of the office, even though they enjoy the flexibility.
- 3
Management
Managers were asked to check in regularly with homeworkers during busy periods.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- homeworker