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4 Predictions for the Future of Remote Work

Jan 18, 2023 • 7 min read

Telecommuting and remote work are becoming increasingly popular among employees following the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey found that nearly half of Americans want to work remotely at least some of the time. And according to Gallup, about one third of American workers already do it. But what does the future hold for those working from home?

1. Flexible Hours

Companies like Amazon and Zappos allow their employees to work wherever and whenever they choose. They even let people work from home occasionally. This flexibility allows employees to balance family life with work commitments. If you don’t have kids, you might not care much about the schedule. But if you’re married with children, having a predictable schedule can make things easier.

2. Better Benefits

If you’ve ever worked for a company that offers generous benefits, chances are you’ll stick around longer. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft provide free food, childcare, and health insurance. These perks help retain talented employees and keep costs down.

3. Increased Demand

As more people become comfortable with telecommuting, demand for remote jobs will grow. People who are looking for employment will seek out companies that offer flexible schedules and good benefits. This could lead to increased competition for positions.


You’ll learn:

  • What is remote work?
  • What does the future of remote work hold?
  • A focus on flexibility

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Use the DigiWorks platform to hire, manage, and pay remote talent from all over the world.

But first…what is remote work?

The term “remote worker” is used to describe someone who works outside of their office. This person might work from home, use a coworking space, or even travel frequently. Here are some common misconceptions about remote workers.

1. You must be a freelancer or consultant.
2. You must work from anywhere.
3. You must live somewhere else.
4. You must be self-employed.
5. You must be a digital nomad.

What does the future of remote work hold?

Remote work is becoming increasingly popular. A recent study found that about one third of companies are offering some form of remote work. But how much longer will it remain uncommon? And what does the future of remote working look like? We asked experts in the field to weigh in. Here’s what they had to say.

1. Remote work is here to stay

Remote work isn’t going anywhere. A recent survey found that nearly half of employees prefer to work remotely. And according to another study, companies with remote teams outperform those without. So what does this mean for employers? They must make sure they provide the tools necessary for their employees to succeed while being able to work where they choose.

Employees are looking for flexibility

Employees want flexibility, especially millennials. They want the ability to pick up and move wherever they please. This includes working remotely. For example, one survey found that 69% of respondents wanted to work remotely at least some of the time. Another survey revealed that almost 60% of employees would consider moving to a different city or state to find better opportunities.

Employers need to promote flexibility

If you want to keep top talent, you need to give them the freedom to work remotely. You can do this by offering flexible hours, allowing telecommuting, providing mobile devices, and creating a culture that supports remote work.

Remote working is here to remain

The best way to retain talent is to allow them to work remotely. Research suggests that having remote workers increases productivity and morale. Additionally, remote workers tend to be happier, healthier, and less stressed.

2. Companies will move to a hybrid work model

The shift to a hybrid work model is happening across industries. This flexibility allows companies to adapt to changing market conditions and employee preferences. As people increasingly work remotely, companies must consider how to support them effectively. In addition, many organizations are struggling to find talent in certain areas, such as data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning. These skills require specialized training, which makes it difficult for some candidates to relocate.

According to McKinsey research, nine out of ten executives envision this model with hybrid workers moving ahead, with 52% of employees saying that they prefer flexible work options.

Hybrid models are becoming popular because they offer the benefits of both traditional offices and remote working. They give employees the freedom to choose where they want to work, while still providing the resources needed to do their jobs well. Some examples include:

• Flexible hours – Employees can start and end their day however they like.
• Telecommuting – Remote employees can access the same tools and infrastructure as those in the office.
• Onsite meetings – If necessary, employees can meet face-to-face during scheduled times.
• Collaboration – Teams can collaborate on projects together, regardless of location.
• Training – Organizations can provide additional training opportunities online.

3. More people will work as “digital nomads”

Remote workers are increasingly popular because they no longer have to commute to work. This trend is expected to continue, according to a report published by FlexJobs. In fact, the number of remote jobs increased by 50% over the past three years. However, it seems like there aren’t enough remote positions for everyone. As a result, many companies are offering remote work options like flexible working hours, telecommuting options, and even full-time remote employment.

Flexible working arrangements include things such as working from home, taking fewer days off, and having more vacation days. One reason why remote work is becoming more common is because it allows employees to spend less time travelling and more time focusing on what matters most – their job.

A survey conducted by FlexJobs found that nearly half of employers offer flexible working hours or a flexible work schedule. Some allow employees to start earlier or end later, others let them work from home, and others give them additional paid time off. A third of employers surveyed offered unlimited vacation days.

In addition to flexibility, some companies are allowing employees to telecommute. This remote work plan option lets employees work from home or a different location. Telecommuting doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re working from a coffee shop; it could simply mean that you’re working at your desk, but from a different location.

Companies are also giving their employees more control over how much time they spend working each day. For example, some companies allow employees to set their own schedules and decide whether they want to work during normal business hours or during evenings or weekends. Others let employees pick their own hours and determine whether they want to work Monday through Friday or just Tuesday through Thursday.

One way to attract talented digital nomad talent is to provide benefits that make working from home attractive and increase employee well-being. Companies like WeWork offer members access to coworking spaces, fitness centers, and gyms. Many companies also offer free food and drinks.

4. Companies will invest in the right tools and training

Following the COVID-19 crisis, remote working isn’t a passing fad. Companies who haven’t adopted it yet should start planning today. As the number of remote workers grows, managers and supervisors are expected to adapt to new ways of working. This includes learning new skills to lead remotely.

Training programs can help alleviate some of the concerns about leading remote teams. They can also help managers better understand what makes their team members tick.

A good manager should understand how best to build trust and rapport within his team. He needs to know how to have effective communication across distances.

woman working remotely as a virtual assistant

What does the future hold? A focus on flexibility

The future holds a focus on flexible work arrangements. In fact, according to a survey conducted by FlexJobs, 75% of employees are open to changing their current job description. And while many companies offer some form of flex scheduling, it seems like more employers are looking into offering full-time schedules with part-time hours. This shift in thinking could lead to increased productivity and happier workers.

In addition to being able to pick up extra shifts during slow times, employees can take advantage of flexible benefits such as paid vacation days or health insurance coverage. They can even ask for a raise without worrying about losing their job.

As for employers, there are several reasons why they might consider making changes to their employee policies and remote work policies. First, it helps keep costs down. Second, it makes it easier to attract talent. Third, it gives employees more control over their schedules and improves job performance and employee experience. Fourth, it boosts morale and keeps employees happy. Finally, it increases productivity.

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Use the DigiWorks platform to hire, manage, and pay remote talent from all over the world.

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