Due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as advancements in technology, remote work has evolved from a niche concept to a mainstream mode of operation, especially for small to mid-sized businesses. The pros of remote work include improved work-life balance,
increased employee satisfaction and retention, and enhanced productivity; while the cons include challenges in managing team communication and collaboration as well as maintaining a cohesive company culture.
As the pandemic is further in our rearview mirror, many businesses are struggling to define what will be the new normal for the foreseeable future. The tug-of-war between wanting the traditional in-office work environment and realizing that desire may not be the optimal mode of operation to attract and retain top-talent can be difficult for businesses to navigate. To balance this tug-of-war, a hybrid work model still remains a popular choice for businesses as it offers the best of both worlds - allowing employees to enjoy the benefits of remote work while still maintaining some level of in-person interaction.
As companies continue to navigate this shift in workplace trends, there are some interesting statistics that business owners and leaders should be aware of as they determine whether in-office, fully remote, or hybrid makes the most sense for their business going forward.
All statistics highlighted below were obtained from the Forbes article, Remote Work Statistics And Trends In 2024 and the US Career Institute online article, 50 Eye-Opening Remote Work Statistics for 2024.
As of 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, while 28.2% work a hybrid model, and 59.1% still work in-office. Despite the popularity of remote work, the majority of employees still continue to “go to work” each day.
According to Upwork, by 2025, an estimated 32.6 million Americans will be working remotely, which equates to about 22% of the workforce. Therefore, remote work will continue to be a growing trend.
98% of workers want to work remote at least some of the time, which aligns with the trend noted above.
A surprising 32% of hybrid workers state they would consider a pay cut to work remotely full time.
Remote workers in the U.S. save an average of 55 minutes every day by not having to commute to work, and 40% of remote workers were found to use the time they saved working their primary, or even secondary, job.
The highest percentage of remote workers are aged 24 to 35. Within this demographic, 39% work remotely full time and 25% do so part time.
57% of workers would look for a new job if their current company stopped allowing remote work.
37% of remote employees feel more productive when working fully remotely.
69% of remote workers experience increased burnout from digital communication tools due to the constant stream of digital communication that can lead to mental fatigue, underscoring the need for proper work boundaries and digital wellness strategies.
53% of remote workers say it’s harder to feel connected to their coworkers due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. Yet, 37% feel that remote work neither hurts nor helps with connection to coworkers.
As many as 60% of companies now rely on tools to track remote employees.
73% of executives perceive remote workers as a greater security risk. This concern stresses the need for robust security protocols and employee education about safe digital practices in a remote work setting.
Among remote workers in the United States, 49.6% identify as male while 46.4% identify as female; 1.3% identify as transgender and the additional 2.8% did not disclose their gender.
71% of remote workers believe that remote work helps the ability to balance their work and personal lives.
63% of remote workers think that working at home neither helps nor hurts their chances of getting ahead in their jobs.
In determining what works best for your business, the key to success lies in addressing the challenges head-on and continually adapting to the evolving needs of the workforce. The reality is, remote work is no longer just a trend but a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. By embracing flexible schedules, hybrid models, advanced technology, employee well-being, and a results-oriented approach, businesses can thrive in this new landscape.
For more information on workplace trends, contact us at thelab@findreverie.com.
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