The traditional work model of clocking in at a physical workplace is undergoing a significant transformation in today’s digital world. With the advent of high-speed internet and cloud computing, remote work is becoming increasingly popular, leading to a new era of work–from–home careers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the rise of remote work as social distancing norms required most companies to switch to remote operations to prevent the spread of the virus. As a result, workers worldwide joined the gig economy, telecommuting from home, and freelancing to earn their livelihood.
Remote work has several benefits for both employers and employees. The freedom to work from anywhere saves employees commuting time and reduces stress levels, leading to a more relaxed, less-aggressive approach to work. It translates into enhanced productivity, improved work-life balance, and fewer absences.
Employers also benefit from the remote work model by reducing rent expenses, utility bills, and other operating costs. They can harness the power of technology and implement workforce management software to track employees’ output and manage projects virtually in real-time.
Remote work is here to stay, and it is a key driver of the future of work. A recent survey by Flexjobs revealed that as many as 74% of respondents chose remote work as their top choice for work-life balance. It also revealed that since 2005, remote work jobs have increased by 159%.
The shift towards remote work and work–from–home careers is not just a trend but a work model that benefits both employees and employers. It can provide a sustainable and flexible working environment, reduce the carbon footprint, and may help bridge the gender and race employment gaps.
In recent years, several companies have come forward to embrace remote work as a part of their culture, including cloud software giant, Salesforce. Other companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have committed to a hybrid work model, mixing remote work with in-office work for their employees.
Remote work may not be suitable for everyone. However, it offers several advantages and has redefined how we work and live, creating better work-life balance, and more flexible job opportunities. As remote work is here to stay, it is important that individuals take the necessary steps to acquire the needed skills, focus on their personal brand and establish a remote work career.