If there has been one profoundly altering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global business, it has been the closure of many physical offices globally and the ascent of remote work.
Surveys conducted by FlexJobs in 2020 tell the story. In February 2020, 4.7 million Americans (3.4 percent of the population) worked remotely.
Up to 42 per cent working remotely
As the pandemic spread, however, that number grew an astounding 42 percent. As remote work has increased, so have the number of employees favoring it over the old work world they knew before.
Most prefer
A FlexJobs poll of 4,000 remote workers published September 21 found that a clear majority—65 percent—prefer to work remotely even after the pandemic ultimately comes to an end.
Broader ramifications
The trend toward remote work will likely have broader ramifications, as this Fast Company article details.
Stimulus
Policy makers will likely face pressure to address technical, economic stimulus, and regulatory issues impacting remote workers.
Technical products and services
There will be a demand for technical products and support.
Affordable residences
And there will be lifestyle benefits and changes, including the fact that a remote workforce will be mobile and free to relocate as they will.
This, in turn, may drive many to seek more affordable residential locations.
Co-working locations
Challenges will also emerge, of course. One prominent one: Remote work proves isolating to some, but co-working locations and other solutions offer promise for resolving it.
