Remote jobs are here to stay, and employees have career opportunities wherever they are, according to research by Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). The report listed five remote work trends to know for 2023.
“Even though we’ve seen more people return to the office as of late, companies shouldn’t pull back on remote work policies,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. “Flexibility and choice are clearly non-negotiables for many professionals, and employers will lose good staff if they limit remote options without a valid reason.”
Here are the five trends:
- Remote jobs are here to stay. Twenty-eight percent of all new job postings in January 2023 were advertised as remote, on par with 29% a year ago. In addition, 87% of workers considering a job change are interested in hybrid or fully remote positions.
- Work flexibility can lead to greater happiness. Seventy-seven percent of professionals who can work where and when they are most productive, putting in more hours than three years ago. Despite longer workdays, about 46% report higher job satisfaction.
- Some workers are willing to sacrifice salary for more remote time. Of employees who go into the office at least one day per week, 32% are willing to take a pay cut in exchange for the ability to work remotely all the time. On average, the respondents were willing to give up 18% of their salary.
- Being in the office has benefits. Sixty-five percent of professionals reported they have more effective relationships with colleagues they have met face-to-face versus those they have not. Moreover, more workers feel comfortable collaborating in person (49%) compared to virtually (31%).
- Employees have career opportunities wherever they are. Eighty-two percent of managers who oversee hybrid teams feel that in-office and remote employees have the same opportunities for career advancement. However, 42% of remote workers are concerned about being visible for project opportunities and promotions. Managers suggest that off-site employees can position themselves for growth by having regular career pathing conversations, expressing interest in professional development opportunities and volunteering to lead or contribute to projects.
“Supporting a hybrid workforce is not easy. It requires extensive planning, paying attention to employee and business needs, and pivoting to get right.
But there are huge benefits of embracing a people-first, flexible work philosophy, including a more engaged and productive team,” said Lynne Smith, Robert Half senior VP of global human resources.
