This Is How the Future of Remote Work Will Look Like

Some might say the future of remote work is already here. No doubt, it has increased over the last couple of years. Australian company Transurban started their transition two years ago, and are well underway.

More are bound to follow suit if they’re not doing so already. In that regard, here’s what to expect in the next few years for the remote work movement. 

Expect More Hybrid Setups

Many businesses that had yet to embrace the hybrid work model started doing so in 2020. With COVID outbreaks taking each country by storm, many felt they had no choice. Even so, they found productivity was little affected.

Some businesses decided to stay remote full-time while others added remote days as an option in addition to regular office time. The future of remote working will continue to follow that path. That’s because employees have shown they can work independently without hurting their efficiency.

Freelancer Outsourcing

Another thing about the future of working remotely is the comfort level that large companies will have with freelancers. There’s a huge benefit to businesses hiring freelancers who can handle the job of a full-timer without being required to contribute to an employee’s retirement or healthcare. 

While some governmental entities globally have taken steps to close freelancer loopholes, it’s still a hugely beneficial move for companies operating in tax-heavy environments. Expect more of it. 

Technology Improvements 

Another reason the future of work is remote is that technology enables it. In many cases, companies do not have to invest as much in technology thanks to the efficiency of apps like Zoom, Slack, and GoToMeeting or improved business phone systems.

Internet speeds have accelerated. The cloud has become safer and more dependable. These realities help to untether workers from the office.

Self Care Attention

More companies are going to see remote work as a healthy option for offering their employees self-care without hurting productivity. The lines between work and downtime are already pretty blurred if you observe current remote work trends.

It’s not at all unusual for someone to be available at the office from 8-5, then take care of something work-related at night before bed. Employees aren’t as leery about doing work at home because they value not having a supervisor breathing over them every minute of the day.

Work Output vs Time Logged

If the future of remote working after COVID has taught us anything, it’s that you can’t measure work output through the hours on a time clock. People still get their work done whether they’re there in the office or not. 

Seeing work not suffer as a result of remote access is going to convince more companies to give up the time clock altogether. That’s because they’ll be able to trust their employees not to abuse remote work. 

Increased Employee Engagement

Many employees see remote work as the opportunity to take back a measure of their independence from the workplace. This is going to result in more employee engagement and attention to priority items. Not less.

Companies will benefit from increased employee engagement as a result. There will be much less zoning out in one’s office or chattering over the water cooler.

Bright Days Ahead for the Future of Remote Work

We believe the future of remote work is a bright one. Whether it’s a hybrid model, more freelancers, or full-timers working at home, the benefits will continue to be felt by companies and employees alike. 

The work is getting done, and employees are delivering on their newfound independence. For more business and career information, check out some of our additional posts!