In the wake of the global pandemic, the traditional office landscape has undergone a seismic shift as remote work has become the new normal. But as the world slowly recovers and adapts, we find ourselves asking, was remote work a means to an end during the pandemic, and how will the new trend be carried forward?
This blog explores the current status of remote work, which industries and companies are embracing it, the percentage breakdown of remote, hybrid, and in-office employers, and which jobs are most easily transitioned into remote setups.
How are Industries Continuing to Embracing Remote and Hybrid Models?
Remote work surged in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compelling companies worldwide to adapt quickly to maintain operations. While some industries had already embraced remote work to varying degrees, others had to navigate this transition for the first time. The impact was profound, leading many to question the viability of a traditional office-centric model.
However, many industries were smart in their adaptations, and here are some of the changes that were made in each industry, and how those changes are brought forward into the post-pandemic work culture.
- Technology: Tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter all implemented remote work policies. However, only Twitter is keeping up the WFH momentum, while Google and Facebook are beginning to acknowledge the benefits of in-person working spaces. Nonetheless, the tech industry has been at the forefront of adopting flexible work arrangements, as much of their work can be conducted digitally, and that should be expected to continue for the most part.
- Finance and Insurance: Financial institutions have historically relied on in-person interactions, but the pandemic compelled many to adopt remote and hybrid work models. While client-facing roles might return to the office, backend operations often remain remote-friendly.
- Professional Services: Companies in consulting, legal, and accounting fields have embraced remote work, leveraging virtual collaboration tools to maintain productivity. These industries found that remote work not only saves on office expenses but also allows them to tap into a global talent pool.
- Healthcare and Education: Telemedicine and remote learning became the norm during the pandemic. While patient care and in-person teaching remain essential, administrative roles within these sectors are more likely to continue remote work. Moreover, telehealth options, particularly for mental health, have provided some unexpected benefits.
- Manufacturing and Retail: Sectors like manufacturing and retail require physical presence for production and sales. However, remote work might find a place in roles related to design, marketing, and customer support.
The Breakdown: Remote, Hybrid, and In-Office Employers
Statistics vary based on region, industry, and company size, but there is a noticeable shift toward hybrid work models.
While the popularity of remote work has grown significantly, the majority of the workforce is now back in the office. As of 2023, 13% of full-time employees are working from home, and another 28% follow a hybrid working model.
However, according to Upwork, the fully remote working sector is projected to grow to 22% of the total workforce by 2025.
Jobs Easily Transitioned into Remote Work
Certain roles lend themselves naturally to remote work due to their digital nature and independence. These roles include:
- Software Development: Coders, programmers, and software engineers often require nothing more than a computer and an internet connection, making remote work seamless.
- Content Creation: Writers, editors, graphic designers, and content marketers can complete their tasks effectively through online collaboration tools, negating the need for a physical presence.
- Digital Marketing: From social media managers to SEO specialists, digital marketing professionals can execute campaigns and strategies remotely.
- Data Analysis: Data analysts and statisticians can perform their duties remotely as long as they have access to relevant datasets and analytical tools.
- Customer Support: Many customer support roles can be done remotely through email, chat, or phone interactions.
- Project Management: With a plethora of project management tools available, overseeing projects, assigning tasks, and monitoring progress can be effectively managed remotely.
- Sales and Business Development: Virtual meetings, emails, and phone calls have become the norm in sales, allowing professionals in these roles to work from anywhere.
While the full-scale remote work experiment prompted by the pandemic might be transitioning towards a more hybrid model, it’s clear that remote work is far from over. Various industries and companies have realized its benefits, and a significant portion of the workforce now prefers the flexibility it offers. Moreover, as technology continues to advance and companies find innovative ways to collaborate virtually, remote work is likely to remain a prominent feature of the modern work landscape.
If you are looking to get into a remote or hybrid career option, why not reach out to KangarooStar’s matching services to see what options are out there?
