There has been a massive increase in remote workers in recent years. This is primarily caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forcing industries to shift from an onsite setting to an at-home one.
However, now that the world is back to normal, is remote work going away? Discover the answer to this question in this article.
Is Remote Work Going Away?
No, remote work is not going away, as many companies are now implementing hybrid work models. So, while the number of employees working from home has declined compared to its pre-pandemic levels, it’s unlikely for remote work to go away completely.
According to Statistica, a certified analytics system, the number of remote workers in the US decreased from 48.7 million in 2020 to 8.28 million in 2022. This is mainly because companies shifted from remote to hybrid work after the pandemic.
Hybrid work combines remote and onsite work. So, while employees return to the office, they still work from home, depending on their company’s schedule. Considering this work setup, it is safe to say that remote work is not dead.
Despite the decrease in employees working from home, some still prefer to stay in their remote jobs due to its unique perks. Remote work can offer a better work-life balance, enabling employees to manage their work hours. It also provides control over one’s working environment, letting them do their duties where they feel comfortable.
PortfoLink has a comprehensive article detailing the differences between hybrid and remote work.
Why Is Remote Work Declining?
Apart from the shift to hybrid work, there are other reasons why remote work has declined after the pandemic’s end. If you have been applying for remote job positions recently, you may have noticed that it’s harder to get hired now. This is due to the decline of companies offering remote work positions.
How hard is it to find a remote job now? Find out the answer in this PortfoLink article.
These are the reasons why remote work is declining:
- Return to Office.
ResumeBuilder conducted a study which found that 90% of companies will return to office by the last quarter of 2024. This move has led to the decline of remote work. - Remote Oversight.
Some leaders find it challenging to oversee employees virtually, pushing businesses to go back to working onsite. - Industry Need.
Industries such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare are better done on-site due to physical demands. - Employee Preference.
While many employees are more productive when working from home, others still prefer to work in the office. This preference pushed them to return to their physical offices after the pandemic.
Why Are Businesses Going Back Onsite?
Although the end of remote work is nowhere near, many businesses are mandating that their workforce return to their physical offices. There are several reasons for this move.
Here’s why businesses are going back on-site:
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Better Collaboration.
There are numerous tools for virtual communication and collaboration. However, nothing beats face-to-face brainstorming. Physical collaboration enables spontaneous discussions and fosters teamwork.
- Improved Communication.
Communicating through apps can sometimes lead to miscommunication. However, when employees communicate personally, there is less room for misinterpretation, especially when discussing project details. - To Foster Company Culture.
It’s hard for employees to build relationships when they work remotely. Companies that value a sense of community may require their workforce to return onsite. - Onsite Work Benefits.
Working onsite has benefits for both employers and employees. Employers find it easier to train and offboard people when they work onsite. Meanwhile, employees may feel a sense of belonging when they work physically together. Discover the other benefits of working onsite on LinkedIn.
Forbes has a list of states in the US that saw the highest and lowest decline in the number of remote job offers in 2023.
Remote Work Is Here to Stay
Remote work is not coming to an end. However, you may find it more challenging to land a work-from-home job now than before, as many companies have returned to their physical offices. If you want to experience the benefits of working from home, looking for hybrid jobs is the best solution.
