Is Remote Work Here To Stay?

Is remote work here to stay?

That question has been bugging me for a while. 

A quick search revealed that 4 in 10 Londoners do hybrid remote work. This means they split their time between the office and working from home.

While this is the highest in any English region, it may be a sign of things to come. And if you’ve been following this blog, you’ll know I don’t want to return to an office.

So, join me as I discover if remote work is here to stay or on its final leg.

Ready? Let’s roll.

5 Reasons Why Remote Work Is Here To Stay

Most managers agree remote work is here to stay.

(Put obligatory sigh of relief here.)

But why do they think remote work is here to stay? For these reasons:

1. More companies are embracing remote work than ever before.
2. Remote work productivity continues to impress all of us.
3. Companies and employees are saving money with remote work.
4. Remote work leads to healthier employees.
5. New tech is removing remote work challenges.

Let’s look at some cold data and statistics about how more companies embrace remote work.

1. More Companies Embrace Remote Work

Remote work has never been more popular. According to WorkWellRemote, 73% of companies will have fully remote departments by 2028.

And today? 28% of global workers are full-time remote employees.

But there’s more. FlexOS found that 98% of employees want to work remotely, at least for some time throughout their careers.

And what drives these numbers? Young startups. New firms believe hiring remote employees cuts overheads, such as office expenses and annual wage bills. 

It’s not the only reason new companies prefer a remote workforce. We can all agree that remote work leads to increased productivity.

2. Remote Work Productivity Impresses Everyone

It’s simple. Increased productivity means more money. And remote work productivity continues to impress all of us.

Why are we so impressed?

Remote work allows more flexibility. Remote workers, like myself, are more productive because we work at times when our energy levels are the highest.

We also have better working environments with fewer distractions.

My pro tip: Check out my guide on the best places to work remote. You’ll quickly see why remote workers are more productive than their office-bound coworkers.

Let’s talk numbers.

WorldMetrics reveals that 77% of remote workers are more productive when working from home. The same study states that companies have experienced a 13% increase in performance when employees work remotely.

Microsoft did their own study and came to the same conclusion. They found that 80% of remote workers are more productive when working from home.

The kicker? Companies with remote staff have access to a global talent pool. They can employ the best at a fraction of the cost.

3. Remote Work Saves Money

What other benefits of remote work can you expect? Employers and employees can save money when they adopt a remote work model.

Let me explain.

Runn found that, on average, American remote and hybrid remote work companies can save $11,000 annually per employee.

Mark, CEO of Sauce Remote, saw the same thing when he launched several 6-figure businesses with remote workers. He saw savings of up to 80% on his wage bills alone.

And it wasn’t just wage bill savings that made an impact. Remote companies have lower overhead costs. Just think about the savings in office space, equipment and more.

But it gets even better.

Employees also save when working remotely. Staffing Hubb found that the average remote employee saves up to $6,000 annually due to reduced transportation costs, childcare, clothing, and food.

Since we’re on the topic of saving, let’s look at another reason remote work is here to stay: a healthier workforce.

4. Remote Work Leads To A Healthier Workforce

Here’s a sobering statistic: In the United States, productivity losses linked to absenteeism are estimated to cost employers a staggering $225.8 billion annually. 

This means companies lose, on average, $1,685 per employee annually.

Luckily, remote work leads to a healthier workforce. 

Forbes noted three things:

1. Remote workers exercise for almost 90 minutes more per week.
2. Reduced commutes lead to an extra 71 hours of sleep per year.
3. Nearly a quarter of remote workers have lost 20 pounds or more.

Many remote workers report better work-life balance, decreased stress, and improved overall well-being.

But there’s more.

Remote work leads to higher job satisfaction, boosting employee engagement and morale. For companies, this means they can retain their top talent for longer.

Let’s look at the final reason why remote work is here to stay.

5. There Are Fewer Remote Work Challenges

One of the reasons companies were initially slow to adopt a remote workforce was the challenges involved in working from home.

Challenges like communication and collaboration were at the top of everyone’s list.

Luckily, new tech is solving these problems.

Companies are investing in remote work tools, like video conferencing, project management software, and online learning platforms. 

But that’s not the only field in which tech improves remote work. A quick search reveals there are over 1,940 startups tackling cybersecurity issues!

These tools keep remote teams productive and connected and improve remote work security.

With AI entering the field, telework will become easier and more productive.

My Final Thoughts

And there you have it! Is remote work here to stay?

Yes! Remote work is here to stay for years. No, for decades to come. And if you’re looking for top-notch remote workers, check out Sauce today.