Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you decide to buy a product or service we recommend.
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected how we work today and in the future.
Most employees were forced to exclusively work-from-home to avoid widespread viral infection. However, when the impact of the pandemic slowly subsides, and companies return to office life, this raises concern for remote-capable workers: is the remote job market already shrinking?
The Downfall of Remote Jobs
With the rapid decline in remote job opportunities, workers are now having a tough time seeking a work-from-home job. As a result, they are considering changing their criteria when looking for a new job.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the posting of remote jobs on various job sites, such as LinkedIn, Indeed.com, and ZipRecruiter, has declined, although the demand for remote jobs is still high. While numerous workers are looking for their next remote job, the time it took to secure new employment has slowed compared to last spring.
After months of scurrying to look for new employees, companies appear to be more selective in their hiring. For the employers and employees to meet halfway, recruiting firms are asking job seekers to be more flexible and be open to negotiating for work-from-home days instead of higher pay.
An Overview of the Latest Stats
In June 2022, Gallup surveyed 8,090 remote-capable U.S. employees to know the current, preferred, and future state of remote work.
According to the survey, about 60% of remote-capable workers prefer a long-term hybrid work arrangement, while 34% prefer working entirely at home. On the other hand, more than 6% want to work entirely on-site.
The risk comes into play when remote-capable workers cannot work in their preferred location/s. For them, employee engagement lowers, coupled with higher levels of burnout and a stronger desire to quit. This should be addressed, especially because there has been a surge in demand for long-term remote flexibility since June 2021.
That being said, leaders should closely examine their companies’ needs and risks to execute the right remote and hybrid work strategies properly.
The Future of Work: A Joint Effort by Businesses and Employees
Remote work has proved efficient for workers, companies, and the economy. With the increasing demand for remote jobs, it is clear that this kind of work arrangement is here to stay. So, what are we expecting in the future of work?
According to the data from Gallup, about 53% of remote-capable employees expect a hybrid arrangement from their companies. This complements most leaders’ and companies’ preference for hybrid work as they are concerned about employees working exclusively remotely.
For most offices, hybrid work is the best solution to meet the demands of both the employers and the employees. However, for it to be effective, companies must tailor fit the best system suited to their organization.
Based on their analysis, hybrid work must have these three things to be effective: 1. Increase productivity by assessing the interdependency and dependency of the work; 2. Increase flexibility by crafting and implementing the best hybrid strategy to meet the demands of the employees and the business; and 3. Increase connectivity by making coming to the office more appealing instead of just being a requirement.
In the end, a hybrid work arrangement is a middle ground for employers and employees. Indeed, this new way of working will benefit and challenge a company. But, crafting the best hybrid strategy for your organization results in more satisfied employees, a healthy work environment, and a boosted economy.
