In 2020, remote work became a primary working model for many organizations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The number of remote workers in the United States surged from 5.7% in 2019 to 17.9% in 2021, illustrating the widespread adoption of remote work.
As these numbers rapidly changed, a discussion about what the future of working would look like ensued, with the question “Will remote working continue after COVID-19 restrictions end?” being a dominant talking point. Five years later, with COVID-19 restrictions behind us and companies having settled into new routines, we can start to answer this question.
The Current State of Remote Work
In 2024, 22.8% of employees globally worked remotely or through a hybrid model where employees work two or three days in the office. Today, many organizations offer more remote work options to their employees than they did five years ago, and hybrid working models are the most common arrangement.
A staggering 90% of employees favor remote or hybrid work over full-time in-office arrangements. Many employees appreciate the additional personal time gained from remote work options, which allow them to better balance their work and personal lives. For instance, remote work eliminates commutes and allows parents to care for sick children without missing work.
For employers, remote work can reduce overhead and turnover, open the organization to broader talent pools, and increase productivity and employee satisfaction. It seems like an all-around positive work solution, but it’s not without drawbacks or concerns. Employers often question whether remote employees remain focused and maintain productivity, and they worry about the practical challenges of remote work, like securing remote networks.
Several trends are shaping the future of remote work in response to these benefits and concerns. In the next section, we’ll explore them to create a projection of what the future of work could hold.
Trends Shaping the Future of Remote Work
From the rising adoption of hybrid work to technological advancements, these are the key factors shaping remote work today and as we move into the future.
The Rise of Hybrid Work Models
As COVID-19 restrictions eased, companies began putting return-to-work (RTO) mandates in place, which many employees resisted or expressed dissatisfaction with. The hybrid working model quickly emerged as an alternative and has proven to be mutually beneficial.
Adopting hybrid work models not only reflects a shift in work culture brought about by the pandemic but also reflects the changing focus of many organizations to prioritize employee satisfaction and wellness, improving their productivity. The focus on wellness and satisfaction began before the pandemic, but it continues to become even more important to employers and indicates that the offer of hybrid working will continue to prevail over other arrangements.
Technological Advancements Driving Remote Work
Continued technological advancements support the ease and effectiveness of remote working and minimize concerns like cybersecurity.
AI integrations offer new opportunities for streamlining and automating tasks, helping workers stay on top of their responsibilities, regardless of their location. AI also supports stronger communication by helping workers and their employers communicate their ideas in simple, easily digestible ways. Augmented and virtual realities offer innovative tools for collaboration and project development.
Faster connectivity has also increased the capability of remote networks and communications like video meetings. Advancements have also been made in shaping more robust security systems, allowing remote networks to maintain high levels of security.
These advancements offer remote workers and their teams faster connectivity, enhanced digital communication, effective collaboration, and increased security.
Expanding Talent Pools and Opportunities
Whether it’s collecting diverse talent from across the nation to support highly rated American casino websites or a globally focused non-profit seeking international talent, remote work expands the talent pool organizations have access to.
For individuals, this also provides far more opportunities without the expenses of relocating. Many countries are also developing remote work visas, allowing people to travel and work, enhancing work-life balance through increased flexibility and opportunities to enhance their personal lives.
Changing Work-Life Balance Expectations
Even for those who have no interest in being a digital nomad, there’s greater emphasis than ever on crafting a work-life balance from both employees and employers. Since employees value workplace flexibility in schedules and environments, it is well worth the time and effort for organizations to implement these options to gain and retain talent.
Alongside the desire for more schedule flexibility, there’s also an additional emphasis on employee mental health and well-being. More companies are developing initiatives to support mental health and well-being in their workforce that can be implemented across remote and in-person working models.
Challenges in Remote Work
While remote work has many perks and opportunities, it also has a few challenges. It’s far more difficult for organizations to build a company culture that engages employees and enhances work satisfaction. The hybrid model offers a solution to this, giving employees a chance to foster a deeper connection with their colleagues and place of work.
There’s also a growing concern about loneliness among remote workers, who don’t have the same chances for connection as in-office workers. It’s estimated that employee loneliness is costing employers billions each year. In addition to developing hybrid models, encouraging collaboration, celebrating employee achievements, and fostering skill development can mitigate this concern.
There’s also the ongoing worry of employers trusting employees to fulfill their responsibilities without supervision. In some ways, this leads to workplaces emphasizing work quality and productivity over working hours. However, technology and hybrid workplaces offer ways to check in and ensure essential work is on track.
Future Predictions: What’s Next for Remote Work?
Even with the concerns regarding remote work, the working model continues to evolve. The advantages of offering employees remote options make its continued use likely. The many tools and innovations that are helping to address and mitigate remote work concerns further support the adoption of this model. Remote working, particularly through hybrid models, seems to be here to stay.