Hybrid work environments are quickly becoming the norm, with remote work offering the most flexibility for employees. However, where employees are logging on varies widely as remote work booms across the country.
Remote work trends
According to a Pew Research Center survey released in March, about a third (35%) of workers with jobs that can be done remotely are working from home all the time. This is down from 43% in January 2022 and 55% in October 2020, but up from only 7% before the pandemic.
The survey also found that 41% of those with jobs that can be done remotely are working a hybrid schedule. This means they are working from home some days and from the office or job site on other days. This is up from 35% in January 2022.
Where are people working?
In a recent NH Business Review poll with nearly 1,000 respondents:
- 68% said they primarily work in a home office or other designated space within their house or apartment.
- 11% said they perform their weekly tasks while traveling or on the road.
- 6% of respondents said they work in a coffee house, café, library, or other public space.
- 9% indicated they work in the office or in the field every workday.
Employer requirements and hybrid schedules
The same Pew Research Center survey found that, among hybrid workers who are not self-employed:
- 63% say their employer requires them to work in person a certain number of days per week or month.
- About 59% of hybrid workers say they work from home three or more days in a typical week.
- 41% say they work from home for two days or fewer.
Benefits and challenges of remote work
Those who prefer telework say the largest benefit is the ability to balance work and personal life. They also have a better ability to get work done and meet deadlines. However, mentorship opportunities and feeling connected to co-workers are diminished when they primarily work from home instead of in the office.
Future of remote work
Industry data shows that remote work may continue to trend upward in the coming years. According to Upwork, by 2025, close to 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely, which is about 22% of the workforce.
Indeed.com statistics show that the sectors where remote work is most prominent include:
- Computer and IT services
- Marketing
- Accounting/Finance
- Project management
- Medical and health
- HR and recruiting
- Customer service
Remote interviews and job preferences
Indeed also found that 93% of employers surveyed will continue to conduct job interviews remotely as a more sustainable option moving forward. Interestingly, 57% of workers would look for a new job if their current company didn’t allow remote work, highlighting the value workers place on flexible schedules and autonomy.
Adapting to the new norm
As remote work becomes more familiar across industries, many employers are reestablishing the parameters of their workplace. This includes finding ways to make their employees the most productive. Additionally, the trend towards more hybrid environments is calling for less office space and greater cybersecurity controls over company equipment and data.
Conclusion
Industry movements indicate employees are opting for more remote work. It’s important for employers to maintain open lines of communication with their employees in order to find the best solution for a productive workplace.
