Remote work is a polarizing topic, but one that has single handedly uprooted how the workday is perceived.
Its effect since the onset of the pandemic tells a story of permanence — that the tides have officially turned and there is no going back. However, leaders are hoping to give the in-person model one last push.
As economies reopen and much of the world learns to live alongside Covid-19, data shows that remote work has dipped in relevancy. In fact, analysis from LinkedIn shows that remote work positions fell from 20% in February of 2022 to 14% in September.
However, this doesn’t suggest a dip in demand. In fact, workers are still eager to find positions that are remote, but they may find themselves having to settle for hybrid arrangements.
One reason to suggest that remote work has lost its sheen is the simple fact that not everyone can do it. Many industries have yet to touch remote work with a ten-foot pole, and those who begrudgingly have (ahem, JPMorgan) have scrambled to find any way to bring workers back.
In the ongoing game of tug-of-war between employees and employers, the latter seems to have won depending on the industry.
Another reason that remote work could see a troubling future is that its biggest proponent — the tech industry — has also started to walk back on the model.
Because the tech industry clearly relies on technology to get work done, their embrace of remote work seemed like a natural next step. But in recent months, some of the biggest supporters of remote work are wondering whether the arrangement is hindering the experience of young employees.
While it is uncertain just how relevant remote work will be in the new year and beyond, one thing is certain: companies will take the path that minimizes risk and helps the bottom line.
