Angela Ash December 10, 2021 Remote work has never been more popular, with more and more people realizing its benefits. The onset of the latest pandemic may have stepped up the implementation of remote work, but the shift would have happened anyway.
How come?
For one thing, the premise is so rich that even the huge demand cannot meet it. Obviously, the possibility to pick among the most beneficial clients from anywhere in the world is a huge advantage. For large businesses, remote work provides the opportunity to outsource employees from abroad and save massively in the process.
No matter how you look at it, it’s a win-win situation.
1. There Is More Remote Work Available Than Ever Before
According to a recent Mercer Study, 70% of companies are planning to adopt a hybrid word model. Microsoft’s Work Trend Index from March 2021 shows that 66% of employers worldwide are redesigning their office space to accommodate hybrid work.
What’s more, remote work is known to attract talent, with 90% of senior executives expecting to work remotely. Finally, a FlexJob survey from 2020 shows that 79% of people would be more loyal to the employer if they were offered flexible job options.
Overall, the trends are looking up for hybrid work models, which are beneficial in that they can help to phase out the standard processes.
The right question is: how to get a remote job to suit your needs?
Online marketplaces are numerous, and new ones are popping up all the time. Depending on your expertise, you may refer to specialized marketplaces to get access to better rates. Popular remote jobs are omnipresent; writing, teaching, SEO and IT experts are sought out by everyone.
2. Remote Workers Can Still Be Empowered and Engaged
Originally, many people thought it was difficult for a remote team to be engaged and even empowered. Even where it was true, the pandemic has changed the practice.
While initially many people forced to work remotely were complaining of distractions, they have come to realize meanwhile the benefits of remote work. Now they’re enjoying it completely.
Engagement is a rather subjective category, and it is indeed upon the employer to empower employees – whether they work remotely or from the office.
According to the abovementioned FlexJob’s survey, they’re doing it right. Namely, an incredible 97% of workers are looking for one form of remote work or another. In fact, 58% of people say they would look for another job if remote work wasn’t offered.
3. Remoter Workers Have the Same Objectives and Key Results
Much has been said about discipline and planning in the context of remote work. The truth is that remote workers stick to the same OKRs as office workers, chiefly because they’re not being set up by them.
In the case of freelancers and digital nomads, they often rely on multiple clients and stick to a different strategy, but certainly, each individual has their own goals and plans.
What is important to note is that remote work, in its essence, isn’t that different from traditional work, especially if it comprises sitting in front of the screen. What’s the difference between sitting in front of your computer’s screen from your comfortable chair and sitting in front of the company’s screen from a somewhat less comfortable chair?
If anything, doing things your own way can only be beneficial. If you’re having discipline issues, plan your day better and stop thinking that remote work equals working on a holiday schedule. Work is work!
4. Remote Work Can Improve Your Work/Life Balance
One of the greatest advantages of remote work is that it leaves you with more free time. Just think about how much time is wasted every day on commuting, preparations, breakfast, etc., and you’ll easily come up with 2 to 4 hours of additional free time.
The only thing you need to do is – learn to organize yourself so that time can be spent in any way you like.
5. Remote Work Offers More Independence
Finally, what remote work really is is freedom. Freedom to live a life on your own terms where you have sufficient time for work and leisure. For this reason, many remote workers choose to go one step further and become digital nomads.
The prospect of traveling the world and enjoying new experiences every day without having to worry about finances (well, no more than any other person has to) is truly liberating. With employers increasingly moving towards hybrid work models (just think how much money they can save only on office rentals!), more and more people are looking for new destinations.
It indeed is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so why waste it?
Respondents Explain: Why They Love Remote Work
Let’s go back to the FlexJob’s survey once more and see what respondents say why they love remote work:
- Fewer interruptions (68%)
- Quieter work environment (68%)
- More comfortable workplace (66%)
- More focused time (63%)
- Avoiding office politics (55%)
As for the employers, they report that company productivity has either remained the same (67%) or higher (27%) since employees started working from home. Keep in mind that we’re talking about an emergency situation (the pandemic) where people didn’t have much choice in the matter.
Imagine the rates for people who turn to remote work out of their own choosing. Figures can only go up.
What Does It Take to Work Remotely?
It only takes some willpower to don’t get sidetracked by the usual suspects in terms of interruptions: email notifications, social media newsfeed, taking short breaks too often…
People new to remote work may get used to it faster if they draft daily schedules that include all tasks (sorted by priority), regular breaks and leisure time.
In this way, you can truly benefit from the extra time saved on commuting and preparations. Embrace the new lifestyle and enjoy the ride!
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