Clicks, Calls, and Coffee: Three Years In and Beyond

Hello, dear readers! Remember our last conversation about the rise of remote work a few days back? Well, here we are, almost three years into this new work paradigm, and boy, has the landscape evolved! The world has seen a whirlwind of changes, and while some were skeptical about the longevity of remote work, the numbers and trends tell a different story. Let’s unpack the future of remote work, shall we?

The State of Remote Work: By the Numbers

Despite the challenges and the occasional Zoom fatigue, remote work has firmly anchored itself in our professional lives. Here’s a snapshot:

Happiness Quotient: A whopping 77% of folks agree that working from home (WFH) boosts their happiness levels. Who wouldn’t be happy ditching that daily commute?

The New Normal: 80% of respondents anticipate continuing with remote work for at least three days a week post-COVID-19. That’s a significant shift from the traditional 9-to-5 office grind.

Deal Breaker: Here’s a shocker – if WFH was taken off the table, half of the employees would consider resigning. Talk about a game-changer! Harvard Business Review highlighted that despite some CEOs advocating for a return to the office, many executives privately expect the remote work trend to continue. The U.S. saw over 50% of full workdays being remote in spring 2020, stabilizing around 28% by early 2023.

Remote Work Trends for 2023 and Beyond

The future of remote work is not just about working from home; it’s about working from anywhere. Here’s what’s trending:

1. Hybrid Work Models: The future is flexible. A study of over 9,000 American workers revealed that 54% prefer a mix of office and home, while only 37% wish to work exclusively from home. Companies are listening, with giants like Slack and Gartner highlighting the benefits of this blended approach.
2. Generational Shifts: According to an Owl Labs report, what matters most varies by generation. The benefits and perks offered to employees may need to change as a new generation enters the workforce. While ranking office perks (40%) and a dedicated desk (51) as less important, Gen Z notes that compensation (73%) and health insurance (67%) are their most important benefits. Gen Z is entering the workforce, and their priorities differ. While they value compensation and health benefits, traditional office perks like ping pong tables don’t cut it. Companies will need to recalibrate their offerings to cater to these new entrants while balancing the preferences of older generations.
3. Gig Economy Growth: The rise of freelancing and temporary jobs is undeniable. Platforms like Upwork have seen a surge in non-temporary freelancers, indicating a shift towards more flexible, project-based roles. According to Upwork, the proportion of non-temporary freelancers increased to a new high: from 2020 to 2021, the proportion of non-temporary freelancers increased from 33.8% to 35.0%. And with the increased flexibility and ability to work from anywhere that remote work allows, this trend is likely to continue in the coming years.
4. Employee Well-being: The pandemic took a toll on mental health. Approximately 1 in 3 employees, including executives, report that they “always” or “often” feel worn out, stressed, overloaded, lonely, or depressed. According to the Deloitte and Workplace Intelligence survey, 77% of executives who responded believe that businesses should be required to publicly report workplace well-being metrics, and 55% of employees agree. Over eight out of ten global executives believe their employees are thriving in all areas of their well-being, according to the survey of 2,100 employees and C-level executives across four countries conducted by Deloitte and Workplace Intelligence. In contrast, only 56% of employees believe that the company’s executives even give a damn about their welfare. Companies are now realizing the importance of employee well-being, with many considering public reporting of workplace well-being metrics. It’s not just about work; it’s about life.
5. End of ‘shecession’: The Atlantic reported on the positive impact of remote work on mothers. Dubbed the “shecession” in 2020, many mothers had to quit jobs due to the pandemic’s challenges. However, the flexibility of remote work has played a pivotal role in bringing many back to the workforce.
6. Tech and Training: As remote work becomes the norm, companies are investing in technology and training to ensure seamless collaboration. A survey by the software company Workfront found that 49% of employees would leave if their organisation didn’t take measures against bad tech. As remote work becomes more widespread, companies will likely invest in training and development programmes to help their employees succeed in a remote environment. This could include training on virtual communication and collaboration, as well as time management and productivity. No one wants to be that person with the laggy video feed in a team meeting!
7. Cybersecurity: With flexibility comes responsibility. A survey by the cybersecurity company Norton found that according to 53% of adults, hackers and cybercriminals now find it much simpler to take advantage of people due to remote work. As work moves out of the office, ensuring data security is paramount. Companies are ramping up their cybersecurity measures to protect against increasing threats.

Also read: Clicks, Calls, and Coffee: Analyzing the Statistics of Living the Remote Work Life

The future of work is evolving, and remote work is at its heart. As we navigate this new landscape, it’s essential to stay informed, adaptable, and open to change. Here’s to a future where work is not a place you go, but something you do – from anywhere! Cheers to the new normal!