Why Remote Work Isn’t Going Anywhere

Now that the Covid pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, workers and employers are wondering about the future of remote work. The wave of pandemic-induced workplace closures led to a surge in flexible and hybrid work arrangements, many of which haven’t gone away. However, significant logistical and philosophical questions still linger. What will become of all of the owned and rented commercial space? Is remote work bad for productivity and team cohesion?  

Recent surveys have shown that work flexibility with work from home options remains the most important factor for software developers when it comes to choosing new positions. As more employees seek remote working opportunities to accommodate their lifestyle and achieve a healthier work-life balance, some office spaces remain empty, much to the dismay of many employers.

The rise of WFH

Currently, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, with a whopping 28.2% of employees having adapted some form of hybrid work model. Despite the steady rise in remote work, the majority of the workforce (59.1%) still work in-office, showing that even though in-office work remains the norm, work location flexibility remains a hot button topic that must be considered with every hiring decision.

This shift has presented new challenges in measuring productivity for remote and hybrid workforces. Traditional methods of monitoring employee performance based on office attendance and habits are no longer applicable. As a result, employers are left wondering how to measure the productivity of remote employees effectively.

Maximizing assets vs. Embracing change

Employers have a significant investment in office spaces, including desks, equipment, and other resources. With the majority of employees working remotely, many of these assets sit idle, raising questions about the necessity of maintaining large office spaces. On the other hand, cities are experiencing the negative impact of remote work, with businesses closing and struggling to honor their leases. Other businesses related to office spaces like cleaning and food services have also suffered as their main customer base dwindles. This has fueled pressure for a return to the office.

However, instead of insisting on onsite work, employers have the option to liquidate assets and remove the associated expenses from their balance sheets. Shifting to a completely different work paradigm isn’t without its challenges, yet presents companies with new ways to organize their assets, streamline operations, all while serving employee preferences.

The benefits of remote working

A significant portion of the American workforce wishes to continue working from home. CEOs and financial executives recognize talent shortages as a major disruptor of business strategy. Insisting on onsite employment may make it less desirable for top talent to work for an organization.

One thing has become clear, the pandemic force fed everyone a taste of what it’s like to break free from the monotony of office life, the ability to cut out commuting from their daily schedule, and work in their own setting of choice. It gave workers a rare opportunity to seize control and create real change in how businesses operate. With many workers refusing to go back to the way things were before, many industries continue to change as a result.

Conclusion

Despite concerns raised by some employers, it is highly unlikely that remote work will die anytime soon. WFH trends have declined in recent years, but nowhere close to pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 32 million workers in hybrid or remote working situations estimated by 2025. Businesses are quickly adapting, learning which jobs require on-site attendance and which jobs don’t. Therefore, companies looking to survive need to prepare for a distributed future, a future that leverages new technologies to communicate and collaborate. Many companies have found a healthy compromise in returning to office work, while offering a certain set of days as remote-work optional. It will continue to be a hot topic for candidates applying to new positions, supported by the continual digitization of the business world. But as more and more jobs become fully digital, it is important to question the overall impact of in-person contact, not just on business operations, but on the human psyche as a whole.

About HeyDevs

HeyDevs is a revolutionary new platform that empowers developers to take control of their careers, connect with other developers and find job opportunities that align with their goals and interests, without ever needing to apply for a single job! With HeyDevs, companies compete for you, not the other way around.

For developers, HeyDevs offers invaluable resources including our specialized swipe-to-work function, anonymous profile, CV builder, and customizable search criteria, with the ability to connect and chat with prospective employers completely on-site.

For businesses, HeyDevs offers tools to maximize the recruitment process, saving time and money, with a talent pipeline that streamlines a majority of the hiring process directly on the platform, eliminating the need for recruiters or headhunters so the hiring process can be handled with HeyDevs as the only medium between employer and candidate, all powered by smart matching to ensure the most relevant matches are provided first. HeyDevs is a truly unbiased hiring platform, delivering a diverse pool of talent that hides information such as avatar, age, and gender, focusing solely on experience and skill, and paving the way for a more inclusive workplace.