Positions within post-secondary education institutions that allow employees to perform their duties outside of a traditional, on-campus setting are increasingly prevalent. These opportunities encompass a wide range of roles, from instructional design and online course development to student support services and administrative functions. An example includes a university librarian managing digital resources and providing virtual research assistance from a home office.
The proliferation of these roles offers several advantages. Institutions can access a wider talent pool, potentially reducing recruitment costs and increasing workforce diversity. Employees benefit from enhanced work-life balance, reduced commuting time, and increased flexibility, potentially leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. Historically, limited technology hampered the widespread adoption of geographically independent positions. However, advances in communication platforms and digital infrastructure have made these arrangements increasingly viable and desirable.