Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020, the job market did a historical shift. Remote jobs used to be something uncommon or a “unique perk” that only a few companies offered to their employees. However, since 2020, more and more companies are going remote, making outdated cubicle culture a thing of the past! As the world is slowly going back to normal, companies are making decisions on whether remote work is here to stay. We believe that it’s just the beginning, as we see this trend continuing in 2021 and in the near future.
Is Remote Work Here to Stay? Absolutely!
The percentage of workers around the world that are permanently working from home is expected to double in 2021, as productivity has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey from the U.S.-based Enterprise Technology Research (ETR). While some companies are opting for hybrid models, most are choosing full-time remote work. “Remote work enables a whole new lifestyle, which people really gravitate towards,” said Greg Caplan, co-founder, and CEO for Remote Year. Not only does remote work benefits employees, but it benefits businesses too.
Businesses Get to Choose from a Larger Talent Pool
One of the biggest benefits for businesses choosing fully remote work is that geography won’t restrict their hiring. Fully remote workforces have the upper hand when it comes to the talent pool, and are able to access top talent from all over the world, rather than being stuck to local talent. Being able to choose from a larger talent pool also has the additional benefit of building a culturally diverse work team from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This diversity can help companies solve business challenges innovatively, due to the wide range of viewpoints. Fully remote workforces also save big bucks by not having to relocate employees just for work. It’s no secret that remote companies end up with the best candidates possible!
Financial Benefits for All
Fully remote workforces reduce expenses for both the business and its employees. Businesses will be able to save hundreds of thousands of dollars on commercial rent, utilities, operating costs, meals/perks, furniture, insurance, office administrators, etc. Meanwhile, employees will save money on commuting, car maintenance, work clothes, and lunches. According to a recent FlexJobs survey, it shows that the average person can save about $4,000 per year by working remotely! Those cost savings play a huge part in workers' productivity, work engagement, and overall health and happiness.
Flexible Schedule
Remote work eliminates the tiresome 9 to 5 schedule, instead, employees can work the hours that fit into their lifestyle and even have the opportunity to manage their day better! The working parents, the elderly, people with disabilities/chronic illnesses, and caregivers are all groups of people who benefit from remote work, as they are better able to balance their work-life, caregiving duties, and personal needs.
Environmentally Friendly
The last reason why remote work is here to stay is that it’s environmentally friendly. With fewer people commuting to work, there are fewer cars on the road. This leads to less air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, less use of fossil fuels, plus a huge reduction in our carbon footprint. According to FlexJobs, if 3.9 million people worked from home at least half the time, that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an amount equivalent to removing 600,000 cars for an entire year! In our current climate crisis, remote work can make a major positive impact on the environment.
For many companies, going remote was a surprise, as they didn’t choose it and most weren’t ready for it, but last year was an indication that anything is possible! We strongly believe that remote work is here to stay, and it will be the core future of work. It will take facing many challenges and adaptations, but soon it will become second nature to all.