Upcoming Trends: 50% of the Workforce Will Soon Be Remote
Remote workers are the new normal. Predictions suggest that one-half of the world’s workforce will soon do their jobs from some location other than an office or a storefront. Remote workers are the new normal. Let’s look at this trend and see how it will affect the new jobs of the future.
What The Statistics Tell Us
Remote work, where the employee does their job from somewhere other than a business location, is growing fast. Employers like it for the savings on office overhead and workers like it for the flexibility and freedom it offers. Some of the latest statistics tell us:
- Remote work arrangements have grown by 140% since 2005. That’s 10 times faster than any other type of work arrangement.
- Remote workers are 13% more productive than traditional workers in an office setting.
- The majority of remote workers also say they feel more productive when working from home.
- Companies supporting work from home arrangements have a 10% higher employee retention rate over businesses that don’t.
- Working remote saves employees up to $7,000 per year in commute costs.
- Companies can save up to $11,000 per employee annually.
- Remote workers are 24% more likely to be happy.
There are currently more than 3.7 million U.S. employees that work remote at least part of the time each week. The typical telecommuter is:
- 45 years old or older;
- Has a college degree;
- Work for a company with 100 or more employees;
- And earn a salary of at least $58,000 per year
This growing cadre of workers primarily works from home, although one study showed a small number of remote employees work at coworking spaces or in cafes.
The stats also say that one in three workers would switch jobs to take on a remote role. Why are these work arrangements so popular?
Pros and Cons of Remote Work
The positives of remote work are myriad and illustrated by a growing list of statistics that show the effectiveness and benefits of remote work options:
- Remote workers have a 25% reduction in stress levels.
- 76% are more loyal to their companies.
- 80% of workers say they have more work/life balance.
- Employers have a reduction in sick days with remote workers.
- Letting one employee work from home can save a business $10,000 in increased productivity, lowered sick time, and reduced overhead costs.
- Telecommuters work five to seven hours longer than on-site traditional workers.
Remote work is clearly not a trend; it’s the new normal. Studies show that 99% of workers say they would like to work remotely at least part of the time for the rest of their careers. Remote work saves companies and employees money and increases employee efficiency and productivity. Sick time goes down and retention goes up. Whether you are a worker or an employer, these stats give you real reasons to consider the option of harnessing the effectiveness of the remote workforce.
The Custom Group of Companies can help you capitalize on these trends. Talk to a talent manager today to discuss your options.
