Remote Work Trends

The rise of technology and the internet means business has been evolving for the last several decades. While fast-paced, these changes unfolded organically. We had time to get used to them.

And then 2020 happened. Rather than an evolution, the pandemic forced all of us to transform the way we did business overnight. Most of us had to send our people home. Some experienced remote work for the very first time. Others had to revise their entire business models.

Thankfully, that firestorm has finally slowed to a manageable crawl. But that doesn’t mean things are going back to the way they were. They simply can’t — we can’t. How can we pretend nothing ever happened? We are changed, and so is our work.

Remote Work: Our New Normal

Remote work is likely the biggest example of ways we adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. But instead of being something to tolerate, employees found a massive silver lining in our collective quarantine. To the horror of some business leaders, employees actually liked working from home. They still do.

Even more exciting, working from home works. ConnectSolutions reported that 77% of surveyed workers were more productive at home, while research by Prodoscore saw a 47% uptick in productivity during the first half of 2020.

Between these positive results and popular employee demands, it’s clear that remote work isn’t going anywhere.

Remote Work Trends for 2023 and Beyond

If you’re a business leader, consider the following remote work trends:

1. Remote Work is An Expectation, Not a Perk

According to Pew Research, 60% of employees want to work from home at least most of the time. Even more telling, a report by ADP revealed that 64% of workers would look for new jobs if their current employers forced them back to the office full-time.

As some leaders start demanding their people return to the office, they’ll likely be in for a big disappointment. With enough companies out there following the remote work trend, working from home is no longer a nice perk. It’s the status quo.

2. Hybrid Work

Considering trend #1, it’s no surprise that hybrid work is soaring in popularity. According to Zippia, nearly 75% of businesses have already implemented, or plan to implement, hybrid work. And honestly, it makes sense. Leaders want their people in the office; workers want to be at home. Hybrid work is the natural compromise.

Hybrid offers flexibility and freedom while still delivering that face time managers crave. Plus, it allows each employee to do what’s best for them. As much as I love remote work, I recognize that some people prefer the office. It has its merits, including socializing with peers and more seamless communication.

3. Prioritizing Employee Well-being

As working from home becomes more common, another remote work trend is an emphasis on employee well-being, particularly mental health. In a 2021 survey, Future Workplace Academy found that 68% of HR professionals named employee well-being and mental health as their top priority. Further research by ReportLinker projected the corporate wellness market in the U.S. will reach over $94 million in a few short years.

With workers out of sight, business leaders are becoming more intentional about monitoring their health and well-being. This is especially important since, for all of its positives, one of the risks of remote work is increased isolation and loneliness.

4. The Rise of Freelance

Now that businesses are realizing employees don’t need to be on-site to be successful, reliance on remote freelancers is rising. The Great Resignation is also a likely contributor to the rise of available freelancers on the market right now. Upwork, one of the largest freelancing platforms out there, reported a significant rise in platform usage since the start of the pandemic. They also reported that hiring managers are relying on contractors more than ever before.

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we aren’t bound by the norms of the last several decades. We can accomplish our goals in new and unprecedented ways, including remote work and freelance work.

5. Productivity Tracking

Big brother is watching! Productivity tracking is yet another remote work trend. This typically means employer-provided computers are outfitted with software that monitors employees’ keystrokes, mouse activity, idle time, and more. Some programs even access devices’ cameras and microphones. All to ensure the remote worker is actually working. This may sound extreme, but Digital.com found that 60% of employers use software to monitor their people.

I have to be honest: I believe this trend is rooted in fear — the fear of losing control. I also think it’s a poor management tactic. Why are we so concerned about productivity and busyness instead of progress? Consider shifting your focus and thinking of the big picture. If your employees meet their goals and metrics — if they make progress — why does it matter if they’re at their desks for eight hours straight?

6. Renewed Focus on Culture

Workplace culture is a big part of corporate initiatives, but there’s been renewed interest in fostering strong culture since remote work became the norm. In a survey by SHRM and Chief Executive magazine, CEOs listed “maintaining culture” as one of the biggest challenges of remote work.

It’s easier to become apathetic about company culture when everyone works together in the office. Relationships, collaborations, and norms happen naturally. But, as I’ve mentioned in other articles, letting your culture unfold organically may not be such a good thing. Isn’t it better to be intentional about fostering a positive company culture? Remote work forces us to do just that. Ultimately, this means behaviors and norms align with our mission and values.

7. Increased Competition

Remote work removes barriers when it comes to hiring and job searching. Without geographical limitations, companies can search for talent across the globe — or at least across the country. And, job seekers don’t have to restrict themselves to a single city. In an interview with SHRM, John Hill, the CEO of an energy recruiting company, says, “The widening of the talent pool is both an opportunity and a challenge.” He continues, “Instead of only choosing from the top talent that lives nearby, you can access top talent from all over the world.”

Leaders may fear that remote work allows their people to become lazy, but the opposite is true. Both companies and candidates are competing against a larger talent pool than ever before. With the whole world in reach, we’ve all got to level up our skills and offerings.

The Reality of Remote Work Trends

The reality behind these trends is clear: Remote work is the future of work.

Like every other major advancement in the corporate world, from assembly lines to AI automation, resistance is futile. Those who don’t adapt will be left behind. The good news is, remote work won’t destroy your business. It will enhance it.

It grants your people the freedom and flexibility to thrive, and it offers all-new opportunities for companies across the globe. Instead of fighting it, embrace it. Knowing these trends, we’re prepared to take full advantage of the future of work.