Despite remote working blurring the lines between their personal and work lives, many workers say they are happier and more productive with this flexible arrangement.
The pivot towards a more remote workforce has been gradual, but has changed how we work, the tools we use for work, how we communicate and the hours we work.
A Stanford study of a Chinese travel agency found that remote working arrangements boosted employee satisfaction and helped the company halve the employee attrition rates.
Remote working is also beneficial for working parents who require more flexible schedules for school events and sick kids.
“I don’t look at it as a perk; I look at it as a requirement,” said Rob Osoria, a web developer, who works remotely from Brooklyn half of the week to skip a commute to his Manhattan office. “Whoever I work for next, if they tell me I can’t work remotely, I’m not working for them.”
Despite all of its proven benefits, remote working can have its downfalls as well. A Buffer survey found that the biggest downsides to remote working are the inability to unplug, loneliness and difficulty collaborating. In fact, working from home can even lead to longer work hours.
Remote working has also contributed to the growth of coworking spaces. Shared workspaces like this provide the benefits of collaboration and interaction, without the traditional 9 to 5 workday.
In the future, remote work options will no longer be considered a perk, but a necessity for workers of all ages who value a proper work-life balance.