New technologies, increased cost-savings, and a better work-life balance are driving a boom in remote working
TREND 01 REMOTE WORKING
New technologies, increased cost-savings, and a better work-life balance are driving a boom in remote working that shows no signs of slowing down. With so many advantages to both employer and employee, working from home could quickly become commonplace for those who are able to do so.
Since 2005, remote working for non-self-employed workers has grown by 173%, and the pressure is on companies to increase this further. A 2019 study by Buffer found that 99% of interviewees would like, at least once in their career, to try remote working.
While remote working is not possible for everyone, those in predominantly digital roles are likely to see further acceptance from their employers as the economical, personal, and environmental benefits to workplace flexibility become impossible to ignore.
A typical employer can save an average of $11,000 per half-time telecommuter per year.
Around 65 million members of Generation Z are going to enter the US workforce in the next decade.
With the rising rental and operational costs of office spaces, remote working provides a clear path to cut costs. It’s been estimated that a typical employer can save an average of $11,000 per half-time telecommuter per year. That doesn’t mean offices will become obsolete, but more companies will be looking to maximize the space they have. This could mean moving to smaller offices, renting space in a co-working building, or renting parts of their existing office spaces out to other businesses.
The flexibility of working from home allows employees to balance their professional and personal lives to increase overall satisfaction. A study found that remote working only one day a week is enough to alleviate stress. This also allows parents to be less reliant on (often costly) childcare and supports mothers looking to get back into the workforce after maternity leave.
A study by Stanford found that remote workers were about 13% more productive than their office-bound counterparts and less likely to take sick days. This was largely due to the more flexible hours that allowed workers to build their days around their most productive periods. Fewer distractions, no commutes, and less stress make for a happier and more productive workforce.
There are around 65 million members of Generation Z going to enter the US workforce in the next decade. By as early as next year, that will be 36% of all workers. Companies will offer more flexible working arrangements to attract and retain this generation, who value work-life balance and time to pursue passion projects more than previous generations.
A report from Carbon Trust found that if companies allow greater remote working flexibility, they could save around 3 million carbon tonnes in the UK alone. By reducing how much the workforce needs to commute, we can make a huge difference to our air quality and global carbon footprint. As climate change continues to become a pressing responsibility for businesses to address, remote working seems a logical step forward. ⬥
As studies into the benefits of remote working continue to rack up, even the most traditional of businesses will be unable to justify their opposition. For those fortunate enough to work a job they can do from home, the future is promising.
