Remote work is the ‘new normal’ since businesses have transitioned to remote operations or have entirely closed for the duration of COVID-19. During 2020, the remote work culture has projected forward due to necessity, and companies that made the transition swiftly have also reaped the rewards of continual revenue during this period.
While working remote can be challenging for some, the positive experiences from doing so may be hard to leave behind once work commuting returns. 98% of American workers report they would like to work from home indefinitely since having to do so since the start of COVID-19. What are the things people love about working from home?
- 32% Flexible schedule
- 26% Working from any location
- 21% No commute
- 11% Time with family
- 7% Working from home
Source: World Economic Forum, June 3, 2020
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one-third of the U.S. workforce and half of “information workers” are currently working from home. This statistic is excellent news for our recovering economy and the businesses that can transition their workers to remote work.
While managers may be concerned that productivity, focus, and team collaboration may suffer, 56% of the U.S. workforce holds a job that is compatible with remote work. Additionally, research has found that the cost savings to companies are about $11,000 per year for every person that works remotely half of the time.
Compatible, productive jobs through remote work and cost savings to companies lead GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com to predict that the longer people are required to work from home, the higher the remote work adoption. When managers work from home, they realize the benefits it provides to them personally, and become increasingly aware of the positive impacts on their employees.
“No matter where you work, it’s important to create an environment that helps you focus. This is especially critical when working from home; maintaining a clear division between work and your home life will make it easier to show up fully for both.” –Marie Kondo, How to Work From Home…With Joy.
Regardless of whether we are on the path to recovery from COVID-19 or not, working from the safety of one’s home is a valuable benefit that hopefully continues after the pandemic is over.
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