Which term refers to a person performing meaningful work under the employer's direction from an offsite location?

The term that accurately describes a person performing meaningful work under the employer's direction from an offsite location is 'remote worker.' This designation specifically applies to individuals who are employed by a company but work outside the traditional office environment, often from home or another remote location, while still being fully integrated into the workplace and adhering to the company's policies, guidelines, and direction.

A remote worker may engage in various tasks that contribute directly to their employer's operations, reflecting a structured employment relationship. This contrasts with freelancers, who typically work independently and may serve multiple clients without being tied to a single employer's direction. Virtual assistants provide administrative support and tasks from a remote location, but this role may not necessarily involve being directed by a single employer. Contract workers, while they do work on specific projects, may not always be offering their services from a remote location or under direct supervision, as they often operate independently based on the terms of a contract.

Understanding the nuances of these different roles is essential for accurately categorizing employment types, especially in an increasingly flexible work environment.