If we have one thing to thank the pandemic for, it’s the explosion in remote work. And here’s the deal: From 2018 to 2021, the number of full-time remote workers more than quadrupled. Now that the dust has settled and restrictions have been eased, what’s the future of remote work and remote jobs? We take a deep dive into the latest stats and trends to keep you up to date.
What Does Remote Work Mean
It’s a flexible arrangement allowing employees to work outside a traditional workplace. So, instead of commuting to the office and sitting at a desk, a remote worker completes tasks from wherever works for them. Think home, beach, café, or a co-working space. Thanks to technology, the options are almost endless.
What Are The Benefits Of Working Remotely?
There are a host of benefits for both employees and employers. Let’s run through the headlines.
Benefits For Employees
Freedom from commuting, better work-life balance – what’s not to like? It’s no wonder remote opportunities are popular with staff.
However, the benefits continue beyond there. Remote workers report feeling less stressed about their jobs. No doubt, ditching the stressful daily commute has plenty to do with it. But also important is the greater flexibility. Whether a night owl or a morning lark, you can work when it suits you best. In particular, those with caring responsibilities value the freedom. And whether at the beach or the home office, working in a more comfortable environment leads to fewer burnt-out employees.
Remote workers also save money. From commuting to lunches, or laundry expenses, home workers save on average $6,000 a year. And with the current cost-of-living crisis, that’s a massive bonus.
Furthermore, many report finding a renewed passion for their jobs. Fewer distractions, no commuting, and a better work-life balance reinvigorate their energies and passion for work. It can also motivate staff to give their best so they continue to enjoy living the lifestyle they have grown to love.
Benefits For Organizations
Companies stand to gain much from a shift to remote positions.
One obvious plus is reduced overheads. More staff working from home equals money saved on rent, utilities, and office furniture. One survey from FlexJobs estimated the savings could be as much as $22,000 per remote worker per year.
And on top of the cost savings is improved productivity. Now that the pandemic is in its fourth year, a stack of data confirms that working remotely increases productivity and performance. In one recent study, productivity was up 29% for fully flexible workers. It’s not rocket science. It stands to reason that workers who are happier, more motivated, and less distracted are more productive.
Another benefit for companies is improved retention. Staff value the flexibility going remote offers. So much so that in one survey, 75% said they would quit their job for one that offered flexibility. With the Great Resignation affecting businesses worldwide, remote work could give your company the edge in recruitment and retention. Furthermore, you can access a wider talent pool when jobs are no longer tied to a specific geographic area.
Benefits For The Environment
In our increasingly greener world, it’s also worth highlighting the wider environmental advantages. Taking all those commuters off the road significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Traffic congestion and air pollution are also improved, while switching to digital platforms reduces paper usage.
Remote Work Jobs
Thanks to digital technology, the number of roles that can be remote has exploded. And it’s not just the usual suspects like telecommunications, software development, or designers. Nowadays, more traditional companies like law, healthcare, and education are also embracing the trend. So, if you are looking for a full or part-time remote job, there’s never been a better time.
Finding remote jobs is much easier with dedicated websites and job boards. Here’s a list of the top generalist sites to kickstart your job search. Many of these sites also offer helpful tips and advice to help you find a remote job that’s a good fit for you.
What Is The Highest-Paid Remote Job?
Six-figure salary jobs are not uncommon. The sky really is the limit when it comes to the highest-paid remote jobs. Time magazine recently undertook an analysis of the best-paid remote jobs, and the top five may surprise you:
- Financial Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Software Developer
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Human Resources Manager
Part-Time Remote Work (Hybrid Work)
If the thought of going fully remote is a step too far, then hybrid working is the next best thing.
Hybrid work is a flexible model that offers a blend of in-office and remote work.
There are several variations of hybrid working, including the following:
Flexible hybrid: Workers choose their location and hours based on their daily priorities. For example, they can work from home or another location if they want to focus on writing a report. And if they need to attend a project meeting, they can decide to come into the workplace.
Fixed hybrid: The company sets the days and times that employees work remotely or in the office. For example, Tuesdays and Thursdays are in-office days, so everyone is available for town halls or team meetings.
Office-first hybrid: With this option, staff are expected to be on-site mainly. However, there is flexibility for a few days from remote locations.
Remote-first hybrid: Under this variation, workers are remote most of the time, with only a few days in the office for team building, collaborating, or training.
Hybrid work has become more popular since the easing of Covid restrictions. It offers a best-of-both-worlds solution that addresses employees’ needs and operational demands. Big-name practitioners include Cisco and American Express.
Remote Work Solution
It’s clear remote work has much to offer both organizations and staff. However, it’s not all plain sailing. Remote work comes with a set of challenges, and success requires a lot of planning and preparation. Whether you are an employer or an employee, it’s crucial to understand the pros and cons before you make the leap. This section explores what’s needed for a remote work solution.
Pros Of Remote Work
We have touched on plenty of these already, but here for the record, are the advantages.
- More freedom and flexibility
- Better work-life balance
- Improved productivity
- Less stress and a healthier workforce
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Fewer overheads and cost savings
Cons Of Remote Work
As with anything in life, there are some potential pitfalls to consider.
- Communication gaps – keeping everyone in the loop is more challenging
- Motivation – without the boss or co-workers breathing down your neck, staying focused and on target can be harder
- Social interaction – with fewer opportunities for casual conversations, working by yourself all day long can be isolating and lonely
- Management challenges – for leaders, maintaining oversight of staff performance is often difficult. Furthermore, remote work involves having the right tech stack to make it work. And many employees fail to appreciate that when it comes to hardware and software issues – the buck stops with the remote worker. There’s no helpdesk on-site to resolve problems.
What Tools And Resources Do You Need To Be Successful At Remote Work?
Technology plays a massive part. You will need the right apps and tools so that you can connect and collaborate. Here are the must-haves that should be in every remote worker’s toolkit.
- Cloud storage
- Collaboration software
- Team chat or business IM apps
- Screen sharing software
- Video conferencing apps
- Office online suites such as M365 or Google Workspace
- Time tracking, workflow, and project management software
- Online security tools
However, it’s about more than just the proper hardware and software. Just as important is a quiet space to work. During the pandemic, many of us set up our laptops on the kitchen table, often sharing the space with partners or home-schooled children. While that may have worked in the short term, a dedicated space is essential if you want to be successful at remote work.
If a home office is not possible, set up your desk in a quiet area of your home. Alternatively, consider a co-working space or a secluded spot in your local café. It’s vital to have some separation from daily living and work. Doing so helps you create the mindset of ‘I’m at work’ now.
How Do You Stay Productive When Working From Home?
Routine: Home-working veterans say routine is essential for helping you stay productive. Find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Morning lovers prefer to be at their desks bright and early. In comparison, night owls or those with caring responsibilities schedule their working time for the afternoons or evenings. Make sure your employer signs off on your hours and let colleagues know your availability.
Keep regular hours: Sleeping late one morning or playing video games into the wee hours doesn’t just mess with your natural rhythms; it also impacts productivity. Maximize your productivity by keeping set hours. Get up at the same time and take your lunch breaks at set periods. And keep regular meeting schedules and calls with colleagues. Doing so stops you from getting distracted and helps maintain a typical workday.
Take a break: Taking time out during the working day is vital, whether in the office or a remote location. It helps you reenergize and refocus. Take a walk around the block, share a coffee with a fellow remote worker, or just down tools and relax with a book for a few minutes. Short breaks improve your mental clarity and productivity.
Listen to music: This tip may not be for everyone, but many find music helps keep the mind sharp and maintains productivity. So, whether your preference is for classical strings or classic rock, create a Spotify playlist and give it a try.
To-do lists: Keeping on top of your work can be difficult without supervision. To-do lists are one easily implemented way to stay on track. Jot down your daily and weekly tasks to manage your time and stay focused. Plus, ticking them off as you go along is very satisfying and motivating. At the end of the week, you can clearly see just how much you have achieved.
Keep socializing: Be sure to maintain social relationships with colleagues. Virtual lunches and coffee breaks are excellent ways to build those all-important personal bonds with your team. And stay connected with virtual water cooler conversations on messaging apps.
What Are Some Common Challenges Of Remote Work And How Can You Overcome Them?
When it comes to remote work, it’s vital to have your eyes wide open. Of course, the flexible and commute-free life is very appealing. However, you will also face some challenges and need to be prepared. Here we share some common challenges and ways to overcome them.
Technical problems: Technical hiccups in the workplace are quickly resolved. Usually, there’s expert help on hand. Not so when you are remote. So, if the printer jams, it’s down to you to fix it. You can avoid these to some extent by asking the technical team to run regular checks on your systems. However, be prepared to jump on YouTube or Google to resolve technical issues for yourself. The good news is that veteran remote workers report that it’s surprising how quickly you build up the knowledge and expertise to resolve common issues.
Productivity issues: It’s normal for newbies and even experienced veterans to experience productivity dips. It could be failing to complete all your tasks, problems with time management, or struggling to stay on task. The tips we shared on maintaining productivity will help you get back on track.
Distractions: Even the most minor thing can distract you when working from home. Social media, Netflix, and even housework can throw you off course. Regular breaks will help. Instead of being distracted by the sink full of washing up, resolve to tackle it when you next take some time out.
Isolation: Working alone can be isolating and can quickly lead to anxiety and depression. A co-working solution may be the answer if you are a social person who needs more people interaction. And if you are finding your home office claustrophobic, consider switching to a local coffee shop where others are around. Even if you prefer to work alone, the social disconnection gets to you after a while. So, it’s essential to maintain your social connections through virtual channels. Or set up a regular coffee meetup with a remote worker friend.
Burnout and stress: Social isolation and difficulties combining in-home and work responsibilities can lead to burnout. Furthermore, when the lines between home and work are blurred, many struggle to switch off and find themselves working much longer hours. Sticking to a regular schedule, taking frequent breaks, and prioritizing your well-being with exercise, healthy eating, and quality sleep will help you avoid stress. However, if you feel like things are getting on top of you, be sure to talk to your employer.
What Is The Effect Of Remote Work On Mental Health, Positive vs. Negative?
There’s no doubt that some remote workers struggle with their mental health. Several studies have shown that isolation, anxiety, and loneliness take their toll. Remote work isn’t for everyone. Some people thrive on social interaction and just can’t function without it. If you are one of those people who nonetheless still wants the flexibility and freedom of remote working, a hybrid arrangement may be a better fit.
However, for many other remote workers, it’s a different story. The freedom, flexibility, and better work-life balance have a positive mental impact. They report feeling happier, healthier, and less stressed. So much so that a whopping 97% of remote workers would recommend it to others in one study.
Are There Any Other Things To Consider Before Making The Switch To Remote Work?
A high-speed, reliable internet connection is a must-have for every remote job. A slow connection is more than just frustrating. It can hinder your output and ability to get the job done. You may not be able to enjoy the super-fact broadband you experienced in the office. However, there are some quick fixes to improve your connectivity. Try upgrading your router and modem or updating the router’s firmware. And be sure to select an internet package suitable for your home and work needs.
Remote Work Has A Future After The Pandemic
The worldwide pandemic forced businesses to move their operations online, creating an unprecedented surge in remote work. But now that the pandemic is slowly fading, will these changes become permanent? Will remote work survive post-pandemic? Let’s take a look at what some of the world’s top experts have to say about the future of this type of work.
- Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, said in an interview with The Verge, “We will continue to work remotely and in the office in hybrid mode.” According to Nadella, working from home will remain part of the new normal. He also noted that Microsoft was looking into investing more money into their remote systems and tools and that they would be working on “building out experiences for people who are able to be productive and collaborate while not being physically co-located.”
- Julie Whelan, global head of occupier research at CBRE, said that the last few years have proven that people can work remotely. “Now, we are trying to mix a combination of in-person and remote work — that is where the challenges shine.”
- Meanwhile, an internal memo from Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg reveals his thoughts: “I’ve found that working remotely has given me more space for long-term thinking and helped me spend more time with my family, which has made me happier and more productive at work.”
- Google CEO Sundar Pichai believes that remote work could benefit companies and their employees in the long run. During Google’s annual shareholder meeting, he said, “We’ve seen many benefits so far…It helps us reach talented individuals outside regions where we have offices today.” He also noted that Google was focused on giving its workers more freedom when it came to managing their schedules and hours worked.
As these quotes show, many big companies are embracing remote work after seeing how successful it can be during the pandemic. There will likely be a shift towards more flexible working arrangements as companies realize the potential benefits of allowing their workers more freedom while maintaining productivity. With such high-profile advocates, remote work is here to stay.
Remote Work Trends Statistics
This section of stats confirms how mainstream remote work has become. Even though the worst of the pandemic has now passed, most organizations continue to embrace flexible work. A wholesale return to the office seems unlikely as employers and employees recognize the benefits.
- According to a study conducted by Upwork, nearly half (45%) of employers say they will continue offering remote work options beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to 15% beforehand (Upwork).
- Another survey revealed that 54% of employers plan to increase their telecommuting workforce over the next three years (Gartner).
- According to FlexJobs, there was an 82% increase in job postings for remote positions between 2018 and 2020 (FlexJobs).
- Global Workplace Analytics reports that 56% of employees surveyed would like to continue remote work after the pandemic ends (GWA).
- A separate study showed that 95% of executives are interested in allowing some form of remote work within their organizations (Deloitte).
- A Gallup poll found that 64% of Americans would prefer if their current job allowed them to work from home some or all days (Gallup).
- A survey conducted by Owl Labs revealed that 73% of US workers believe flexible hours should be available at all times (Owl Labs).
- A report by Buffer found that 70% of managers believe remote teams are just as productive as on-site ones (Buffer).
- According to a recent survey by Future Workplace, 87% of HR professionals reported an increase in requests for flexible working arrangements over the past year (Future Workplace).
- Finally, a survey from TrustRadius found that 91% of companies have implemented or planned on implementing some kind of remote working policy in 2021 (TrustRadius).
As these stats demonstrate, and with 36.2 million Americans set to be fully remote by 2025, the future of remote work looks bright.
Remote Work by Country Statistics
Remote working is now a worldwide trend, as this selection of stats confirms. Furthermore, the hybrid work model, with a mix of work fully on-site and remote, has gained traction over the past few years.
- According to FlexJobs, in 2022, more than 80% of companies worldwide offered flexible work options (FlexJobs).
- A study conducted by Upwork showed that 70% of businesses would prefer to hire remote workers over traditional office workers (Upwork).
- Gallup’s Global Workplace Report revealed that in 2022, 44% of full-time workers had worked remotely for at least some part of their job (Gallup).
- In 2021, according to Statista, 78% of US workers reported working from home at least one day per week (Statista).
- A survey by Deloitte found that in 2021, 16% of US employees worked remotely five or more days a week (Deloitte).
- According to Global Workplace Analytics, in 2019, there were four million remote workers in the UK (GWA).
- WeConnect found that in 2021 43% of French employers allowed their staff to work remotely up to four days a week (WeConnect).
- In 2020, according to Statista, 30% of German employers reported having employees who work remotely at least half of their working hours (Statista).
- The same survey revealed that 24% of Italian employers had staff who worked remotely at least 50% or more often than not (Statista).
- Statista also noted that 21% of Spanish employers allowed members of their teams to regularly work outside the office up to five days a week (Statista).
These ten remote work statistics reveal just how popular this trend has become worldwide. Companies understand how beneficial having a hybrid on-site/remote workforce is when it comes to attracting top talent and creating a strong organizational culture.
Benefits Of Remote Work Statistics
We touched on the benefits earlier, but here are the stats to back it up. It’s clear the labor force values flexibility and improved work-life balance. And for organizations, the increased productivity, plus happier and healthier staff, make it a no-brainer.
- According to Global Workplace Analytics, since March 2020, 31% of employees in the US have worked remotely full-time – a 5x increase from before the COVID-19 pandemic (GWA).
- A survey conducted by Blind found that 74% of workers prefer to continue with remote work after COVID-19 ends (Blind).
- A study by Zoom found that 87% of employers felt more productive when remote working (Zoom).
- According to Owl Labs, 78% of people say flexible hours increase productivity (Owl Labs).
- Research by PGI shows that remote working employees report being happier than those who don’t (PGI).
- A survey by Owl Labs revealed that 68% of people feel less lonely when remote (Owl Labs).
- A report by FlexJobs found that 64% of employers offer better benefits when hiring remote workers (FlexJobs).
- According to Gallup, 52% of US workers would like to continue working from home after the pandemic ends (Gallup).
- Research by Harvard Business Review shows that 51% of millennials prefer flexible work arrangements over salary increases (HBR).
- A study by FlexJobs revealed that 77% of employees reported improved job satisfaction when given the option to work remotely (FlexJobs).
These stats confirm that a remote or hybrid work arrangement offers a ton of benefits for employees and employers. Enhanced job satisfaction and productivity mean it’s a win-win.
Remote Working And Remote Work Statistics
One undeniable remote work trend is employees love it! They feel happier, more creative, and satisfied than those in the office full-time.
- According to a Zoom survey, 83% of business decision-makers believe remote work has improved their company’s overall productivity (Zoom).
- A study by PwC found that 67% of employees say they can better balance their personal and professional lives when working from home (PwC).
- The same PwC study also found that 60% of employees feel more productive when working from home (PwC).
- According to Gartner, 94% of organizations intend to allow more flexible work hours in 2021, 2022, and 2023 (Gartner).
- A survey by Virgin Pulse revealed that 87% of respondents who worked remotely during the pandemic reported feeling less isolated than when in the office (Virgin Pulse).
- Another survey by Virgin Pulse found that 79% of respondents said they felt more inspired to be creative in a remote work environment than when they were in the office (Virgin Pulse).
- A Harvard Business Review report revealed that 70% of companies saw an increase in employee engagement since implementing a remote work policy (HBR).
- According to Adobe, 64% of companies report increased job satisfaction among their employees since transitioning to a remote workforce (Adobe).
- Gartner also found that 67% of organizations plan on permanently increasing the number of roles available for remote workers after the pandemic ends (Gartner).
- Finally, a survey by Upwork revealed that 55% of Americans would prefer if their company allowed them to continue to work remotely even after the pandemic ends (Upwork).
Now that the pandemic’s emergency measures have ended, businesses need to examine how they can satisfy workers’ clear preference for remote work.
Managing A Remote Team Tips
By now, every manager knows that leading a remote or hybrid team has its challenges. This selection of stats offers some insights and tips to help get it right.
- According to a survey by Thinkgosoft Solutions, 90% of employers believe communication is critical when managing remote workers (Thinkgosoft Solutions).
- A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 66% of employers feel they have an effective process in place for onboarding and training new remote employees (SHRM).
- A survey commissioned by Microsoft revealed that 98% of respondents believe that communication among team members is essential for successful collaboration on projects (Microsoft).
- According to a survey by Workfront, 83% of employers have seen an increase in productivity since allowing employees to work remotely (Workfront).
- A 2021 survey by Gallup revealed that 90% of respondents reported feeling more connected with their colleagues while working from home than when working in an office setting (Gallup).
- The same Gallup survey found that only 41% of employers felt they had adequate access to the technology and tools necessary for successful remote work (Gallup).
- According to 2022 research by Buffer, 52% of employees said that taking regular breaks improved their remote work productivity (Buffer).
- Research conducted by Owl Labs in 2023 revealed that 79% of respondents reported feeling more satisfied with their job when allowed to work remotely (Owl Labs).
- A 2021 study by Harvard Business School found that 80% of those surveyed felt the most significant challenge associated with managing remote teams was providing clear and detailed instructions on tasks (HBS).
- In a survey conducted by Gartner in 2023, 75% of respondents reported feeling less stressed while working from home compared to traditional office settings (Gartner).
As the stats reveal, top tips for managing remote or hybrid teams include effective onboarding, good communication, and having the right digital tools.
Latest Statistics On Flexible Hybrid Work
For many organizations, hybrid working offers the best of both worlds. It satisfies workers’ preferences and lifestyles while also meeting operational demands. This selection provides insights into how businesses are responding.
- According to a survey by Gartner, 81% of organizations plan to allow employees to continue to work remotely, at least part-time, after the pandemic is over (Gartner).
- A survey by KPMG found that 60% of employers plan to offer a hybrid model with both in-office and remote work options after the pandemic is over (KPMG).
- A study by Upwork predicts that there will be 36 million remote workers in 2021, up from 29 million pre-pandemic (Upwork).
- A report by FlexJobs estimates that 82% of companies will have at least some remote employees in 2022 (FlexJobs).
- According to Mercer’s Global Talent Trends 2021 report, 44% of employers plan on increasing their flexible working policy once the pandemic is over (Mercer).
- A survey by Deloitte found that 78% of HR leaders believe flexible arrangements will become permanent after the pandemic is over (Deloitte).
- A report by Global Workplace Analytics suggests that 57% of companies across all sectors will offer some form of permanent teleworking option in 2023 (GWA).
- Research from Gallup shows that 33% of employees prefer to work remotely full-time, and 34% prefer a hybrid arrangement with both office and home-based days (Gallup).
- According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index global report, 89% of workers believe they can be just as productive when working from home compared to working in an office environment (Microsoft).
- A survey by Owl Labs found that 86% say having access to workplace flexibility has increased their job satisfaction (Owl Labs).
A shift to hybrid working is the perfect solution for many, satisfying the needs of employers and employees.
COVID-19 Remote Work Statistics
This section details how remote work has changed in response to COVID-19. Organizations were forced to shut up shop in 2020. However, few have returned to the office full-time since restrictions eased.
- According to data from Buffer’s 2021 State of Remote Work report, 79% of companies plan to allow for permanent remote work post-COVID-19 (Buffer).
- 73% of respondents said their company’s remote work policy was more flexible than before 2020 (Buffer).
- A survey by The Harris Poll found that 50% of Americans would prefer a fully or partially remote job after the pandemic ends (The Harris Poll).
- A separate survey by FlexJobs revealed that 68% of employers believe they will have more flexible remote work policies post-pandemic (The Harris Poll).
- Global Workplace Analytics estimates that 25–30% of the US workforce worked remotely multiple days per week by the end of 2021 (GWA).
- A 2022 survey from Upwork found that 82% expect an increase in freelancing post-COVID (Upwork).
- GlobalData predicted that global spending on cloud computing would reach $753 billion by 2022 (GlobalData6).
- Gartner forecasts that two-thirds of organizations will adopt hybrid workplaces combining physical and virtual settings by 2023 (Gartner).
- A survey conducted by Robert Half revealed that 80% of CFOs expected their company’s use of contract workers to grow in 2022 (Robert Half).
- According to Deloitte’s Workforce Transformation Survey, over 40% of businesses planned to transition back into office spaces between late 2021 and mid-2022 (Deloitte).
The clear message from this section is that remote work options are here to stay.
Remote Work Effects On Company Culture Statistics
The following selection of stats demonstrates remote work’s impact on company culture. And it’s good news. Productivity, performance, and collaboration are improved. And employee engagement is boosted with an increase in morale.
- According to Microsoft’s 2020 Work Trend Index, 74% of employees said that working remotely has increased their ability to collaborate effectively (Microsoft).
- A survey by Zapier found that 79% of remote workers feel they can be just as productive when working remotely as in an office environment (Zapier).
- A report by Gallup showed that 31% of employees who have worked at least partially remotely since March 2020 believe they will continue to do so after the pandemic ends (Gallup).
- According to Global Workplace Analytics, 70% of employers say their team’s performance has improved since adopting remote work (GWA).
- The same report found that 64% of employers said employee engagement had improved since instituting a remote workflow (GWA).
- In its State of Remote Work Report 2021, Deloitte found that 43% of organizations surveyed believed their teams were better able to handle unexpected change when they adopted remote work policies (Deloitte).
- A 2021 study by Buffer revealed that 78% of respondents felt more connected with their team while working remotely than when they worked in an office setting (Buffer).
- Similarly, 76% said they felt more productive because of fewer distractions while working from home (Buffer).
- The study also showed that 75% said morale had improved since transitioning to remote work (Buffer).
- Lastly, according to a 2020 survey conducted by Owl Labs, 64% of respondents reported feeling less stressed and overwhelmed since transitioning from an office environment to a remote one (Owl Labs).
When it comes to company culture, the effects are wide-reaching and impactful, according to the statistics.
Remote Work Statistics Case Studies
Check out this section for a more in-depth look at how companies are responding. The following case studies examine the impact on customers, recruitment, retention, collaboration, and much more.
- Buffer (2018): This case study by Buffer shows that their team of 100+ people manages a successful product from 39 different countries with an average response time of four hours for customer support inquiries. It also demonstrates that customer satisfaction has improved since they switched to remote work, with an increase in Net Promoter Score from 40 to 50 in just six months.
- Automattic (2018): This study from Automattic found that 30% of their employees are more productive when working remotely and that 80% of all employees felt they were able to collaborate better with their teammates while working remotely.
- GitHub (2016): GitHub’s case study found that they saved $2 million annually by moving to remote work, including over $1 million in relocation costs alone. They also noted an improvement in employee recruitment and retention and improved collaboration between team members ln different parts of the world.
- Zapier (2015): Zapier’s study showed that their switch to remote work resulted in increased productivity and decreased expenses due to not having an office space or associated equipment costs. They also reported increased collaboration between team members due to better communication technologies available for remote workers compared to those available for traditional office workers at the time.
- Basecamp (2014): Basecamp’s case study concluded that having teams spread across different locations can actually help build stronger relationships between members. This is because it promotes better communication via video conferencing and other digital tools available for distributed teams. And it reduces travel costs associated with traditional offices.
- Trello (2013): Trello’s research revealed that 86% of their employees felt more productive when working remotely than when they were required to be in the office each day. And 74% reported feeling less stressed while working remotely than when they were commuting daily into the office environment.
- WordPress (2012): WordPress’ research showed that since moving their entire workforce online, there has been a significant reduction in overhead expenses, including rent payments associated with having physical offices around the world. The savings have allowed them to invest more resources into developing new products and services faster than ever before.
- Amazon Web Services (2011): According to AWS’ research on its own workforce, switching from traditional offices mostly populated by full-time employees into remote setups where most workers are freelancers or contractors has allowed them to provide services faster than ever before thanks to fewer bureaucratic processes associated with physical workplaces.
- Red Hat Inc. (2010): Red Hat’s case study demonstrated how implementing a hybrid model of both physical offices and remote settings was beneficial for its workforce. It resulted in increased collaboration among colleagues due to better communication technologies used by virtual teams combined with face-to-face meetings between those who worked at physical locations.
- German Telecom Company (2009): A German telecom company’s research found that having more than 70% of its workforce working remotely led to reduced overhead costs and decreased employee turnover by 25%. The company also noted an increase in employee satisfaction since implementing its distributed workplace model.
The Future Of Remote Work Prediction Statistics
So, what’s the future for remote work? The selection will help you understand the driving forces.
- According to a survey conducted by Gartner in late 2020, 84% of companies surveyed plan on making their recent shift to remote work permanent (Gartner).
- Furthermore, 25% of those companies stated that they would be making at least 5% of their workforce permanently remote. This trend is likely due to an increasing number of employees wanting flexible work arrangements to balance their personal and professional lives (Garner).
- A survey conducted by Upwork in 2021 revealed that 65% of hiring managers believed that remote work would become increasingly popular over the next decade (Upwork).
- This belief was echoed by 77% of workers who reported that they expected more job opportunities with flexible hours and locations available in the future (Upwork).
- Additionally, 56% of respondents reported that they wanted more flexible options than their current jobs provided (Upwork).
- Statista also released a report predicting that 43% of employed people worldwide were expected to be working remotely by 2028. This is an increase from just 3% in 2016 – an indicator that more employers will embrace telecommuting as a viable option for their employees as technology continues to improve and make collaboration easier (Statista).
Use these statistics to help your organization plan and prepare for the future.
Better Work-Life Balance
The ability to juggle personal demands is a top priority for today’s labor force. Check out this section to find out just how vital it is.
- According to research by Buffer, 83% of people believe that working remotely leads to a healthier work-life balance (Buffer).
- That same study also found that 75% of remote workers feel they can manage their workloads more effectively when working remotely, compared to only 58% of those who do not work remotely (Buffer).
- The Global Workplace Analytics website also has some compelling data about remote work. They report that 83% of employees would like to have the option to telecommute at least part of the time. And 76% would be willing to take a pay cut in exchange for flexible hours or the ability to telecommute full-time. In addition, they report that people who regularly telecommute are more productive than those who don’t, with an output increase of 13% (GWA).
- A 2018 study by Owl Labs found that two-thirds (66%) of employees said they would switch jobs if it meant they could work remotely full-time, while 87% of employers said they would offer more flexibility if it meant attracting better talent. According to this same study, when employees had the opportunity to switch from an office environment to a fully remote job, 73% reported feeling happier at their new job than they did while in the office environment (Owl Labs).
The data is compelling, which means companies must find ways to achieve a better work-life balance for staff.
Remote Work Statistics Takeaways
According to a study by Global Workplace Analytics and FlexJobs, there has been a 159% increase in remote workers since 2005. That’s a jump from 1.8 million employees in 2005 to 4.7 million employees in 2017. This trend is expected to continue, with a prediction that by 2028, 73% of all departments will have remote workers. In addition, according to a survey done by Upwork and Freelancers Union, 36% of Americans are freelancing and 70% of those freelancers did not plan on doing so before 2020.
Furthermore, according to an analysis conducted by LinkedIn, between February and April 2020 alone, job postings for remote positions increased by over 30%. This includes roles such as Software Engineers (up 33%), Data Scientists (up 38%), Product Managers (up 43%) and Business Analysts (up 47%). These numbers suggest that employers are increasingly looking towards hiring candidates who are open to working remotely or from home.
The statistics paint a clear picture, remote work is rising in popularity and is here to stay. Companies should now start making plans for how they can embrace new ways of working effectively and efficiently. And if they haven’t already done so, they should start considering how they can make their workforce more flexible by offering some form of remote work opportunities for their employees going forward.
All in all, these statistics indicate that the future of work will be significantly different from what it was pre-COVID-19. And it’s up to us as individuals and companies alike to adapt accordingly.
Remote Work Key Takeaways
The statistics show how dramatically our lives have changed as we adjusted from traditional office life into this new world where most business is done virtually from home offices and kitchen tables around the globe. It’s clear from these stats that both challenges and rewards are associated with this transition, making it essential for businesses and employers to understand the implications and adjust accordingly if they want success. While there’s still much progress left ahead, these numbers point towards a future where many aspects of business can be conducted remotely without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
