The Remote Work Revolution Changes the Future of Work

Christopher Alarcon Wealth of Geeks

Nearly all working professionals (95%) want some form of remote work, whether that be fully remote or a hybrid model, according to the latest data from Flexjobs’ Remote Work Statistics & Trends, published last November.

56% know someone who has quit or plans to quit their job due to return-tooffice mandates.

The perceptions of many employees and employers toward remote workers have changed since 2020, thanks to the pandemic. The experts at Flexjobs unraveled the intricacies of remote work. What are the benefits and challenges of telecommuting? How do both employees and employers experience remote and hybrid work models?

The Pandemic Sparked a Remotework Revolution

The remote-work revolution didn’t begin with the pandemic, but the pandemic is the catalyst behind its acceleration. Employees who work from home two days per week save an average of 70 minutes a day, says Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford economics professor who spent years studying remote and hybrid work even before the pandemic

While some lonely workers had an itch to return to the office, many more remote workers appreciated the time savings remote work offers — the lack of a commute, less time spent to get ready for work, and more flexible work schedules.

Remote Work Saves Money Workers who gain back the time usually spent commuting can also improve financial savings and grow their net worth. Remote work saves money — less is spent on gas, parking, vehicle maintenance, and public transportation tickets and passes.

When people work from home and eat home-cooked meals rather than buying lunch, they tend to spend less per week than those who work in an office, among other saved costs. Estimates by Flexjobs suggest that the average full-time worker saves up to $12,000 a year by working remotely, while employers save $11,000 per remote employee.

Remote Work Attracts and Retains Employees

Companies who struggle to attract and retain talent should consider permitting employees to work from home. Remote and hybrid work attracts and retains employees, with 51% of professionals preferring a fully remote job, according to Flexjobs — comparatively, 46% favor hybrid roles.

Employees who work from home or in hybrid work environments budget their time more efficiently, experience more workplace autonomy, improve work-life balance, and boost overall job satisfaction.

Remote Work Improves Employee Well-being

Work environments directly impact employee mental health. Poor mental health is often a result of an unhealthy atmosphere. For example, requiring workers to return to the office when they can complete their work at home creates unnecessary hardships.

Many people feel better when in their own space, an element working from home provides. In July 2020, in partnership with Mental Health America (MHA), Flexjobs learned workers who lack access to flexible work options like remote and hybrid work environments are nearly twice as likely to have poor mental health.

Because working from home can create healthier environments, remote workers tend to thrive, a trait especially true of workers belonging to minority populations, as remote work can reduce discrimination. Remote Work Improves Business Most business owners want a more productive workforce. Remote work increases productivity. 77% of working professionals reporting they are more productive when working remotely. Only 12% report less productivity. The remaining11% noticed no difference in productivity between working in a traditional office setting and remotely.

Remote Work Helps the Global Environment

A December 2020 NASA survey, published in Science Daily shows that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, air pollution diminished, water quality improved, and deforestation rates slowed in places like Colombia and Peru.

These positive changes stem from the millions of people leaving traditional workplaces. These commute changes trim down traffic and co-occurring air pollution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Remote workers can also positively impact air quality by monitoring electricity use with devices like air conditioners, heaters, fans, and other appliances, reducing paper use and recycling.

Workers Will Continue to Telecommute in 2024

Remote work isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Many employers will require employees to return to the office. However, several professions are top careers for remote jobs. Positions in marketing, project management, accounting, and finance all rank high. Many remote workers have high-networth careers.

Remote work offers benefits to employees and employers alike.