Did you know that about 15% of all the available jobs are remote work? Moreover, the figure has risen from 4% during the pandemic to 15%. Remote work has completely taken over the traditional 9-to-5 grind in the professional landscape.
It has completely transformed the way we view employment and is all set to be the future of it. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest insights and expert analysis on the ever-evolving landscape of virtual work.
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Evolution of remote work
The history of smart working began with the evolution of the term “telecommuting” in 1973 by a NASA engineer named Jack Nilles. The technology that used dumb terminals and telephone lines as a network bridge to connect remote offices to downtown mainframes first appeared in the 1970s. This triggered the small-scale practice of remote work during those days.
However, the “work from home” culture started as an experiment by five IBM employees in 1973. The 1980s saw the rise of telecommuting. The employee count of the experiment soon rose to 2000 by 1983.
The 1990s and 2000s saw the evolution and widespread accessibility of the Internet and modern technologies such as conference calling via video telephony. This further boosted the distance work trend. Finally, workplace hazard controls for COVID-19 proved to be a catalyst for bringing the remote work culture to almost everyone.
5 remote work trends you must know
With remote job becoming popular, here are 5 remote work trends you must know!
1. Employees prefer remote work over compensation
Did you know that there has been a drastic 140% rise in remote work setups since 2015? Employees are happy to compromise the traditional long-term onsite positions for remote job with less compensation.
The ability to work at your own flexible hours without commuting anywhere, plus the job-life balance offered by distance work, are why people favor it the most.
2. The global growth of remote work is expected to continue
The global growth of remote work is expected to continue due to several key factors. First, advancements in technology have made it easier for employees to work from anywhere, breaking the geographical barriers that once restricted productivity.
Second, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work, with many organizations realizing its benefits, such as increased flexibility, cost savings, and access to a global talent pool. Lastly, changing work preferences of employees, who prioritize work-life balance and autonomy, further fuel the demand for virtual work opportunities.
As a result, the trend of remote job is expected to persist and expand in the foreseeable future, shaping the future of job.
3. Freelance specialists and platforms are rising
With the rise in remote job, freelance platforms such as Upwork have seen a surge in the number of freelancers on their platforms. In America, the count of freelancers has risen from 59 million in 2021 to over 73 million in 2023.
Not just this, business managers also prefer virtual work and freelance talents and specialists over traditional employees.
4. Cybersecurity is of utmost importance
A survey conducted by EY survey indicates that the top reason behind security breach issues is remote work. It’s why more than 85% of businesses consider cybersecurity as the most crucial focal point now.
With the rise of home-based work teams and platforms, cybersecurity teams must also come up. Companies have already started investing in zero-trust cloud architecture.
5. Employee health is taking the central stage
In the era of remote job, employee health has emerged as a key focal point. With the physical separation between employees and their workplaces, organizations have realized the importance of prioritizing employee well-being.
Employers are currently making active investments in programmes that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their remote workforce. This includes providing ergonomic equipment, encouraging regular breaks and exercise, offering mental health resources, and promoting work-life balance.
By placing employee health at the forefront, organizations aim to enhance productivity, job satisfaction, and retention rates while fostering a positive home-based work culture that prioritizes the holistic well-being of their employees.
Is remote work effective?
Remote work can be highly effective for many individuals and organizations. It offers flexibility, allowing employees to work from anywhere, eliminating commuting time, and promoting work-life balance.
Remote job can increase productivity, as it provides a comfortable and personalized work environment. It also enables access to a global talent pool and promotes diversity and inclusion.
However, depending on the nature of the job, the dynamics of the team, and personal preferences, it may not always be effective. Effective home-based work requires clear communication, collaboration tools, and trust between team members.
Employers should assess their specific needs and implement supportive policies and technologies to maximize the benefits of remote work.
Read more: Shaping the job market of the future: the most in-demand careers of the next years
