What You Should Know About Working Remotely

More U.S. Employers To Allow Remote Work

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While 43% of U.S. employers are forecasting that they will allow their employees to work from home more, only 9% have indicated that they will offer less remote working. This is a clear indicator that working remotely is a major trend in the U.S.

The reasons behind this trend vary.

For example, 54% of U.S. companies have said that they allow their employees to work remotely to increase employee retention. And, 28% said the offer remote work because employees demand it. This proves employees are demanding a change in their jobs. Employees are asking for more flexibility and employers are listening.

To sum it up, in organizations where they're predicting they will allow more remote work, employees are behind the wave of change.

The second most-common reason for allowing more remote work is driven by companies' bottom lines. In fact, 49% of organizations said they allow remote working to reduce office costs.

The study also found that 40% believe working three days in-office and two days remote is the optimal combination.

Is Telecommuting More Than A Trend?

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So, is the old 9-to-5 becoming obsolete? Not exactly.

While working remotely is currently a major trend in the U.S., there are still many companies who have not embraced the change.

Obviously, some jobs require you to be present, especially if you work in a hospital or in law enforcement or at a school. But for those who just need a computer and a good WiFi signal to do their jobs, it can be frustrating when your employer won't budge on the "no remote work" rule.

The hesitation to allow remote work usually comes down to productivity and communication concerns. Will you be just as productive at home as you are at work? What if you work on a team? Will you be able to communicate as effectively as you do at work, and in a timely manner?

Maybe your employer will eventually come around to the idea of letting employees work remotely. For those who already have this benefit, don't expect it to go away anytime soon.

What To Expect As Remote Work Gains In Popularity

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All recent data suggests working remotely is here to stay, especially with employers trying to improve retention and keep their best employees (who could find remote work elsewhere). Working remotely is a privilege, though, and should be treated as such. If you abuse the benefit, it can be taken away.

Working remotely is not a benefit you want to lose. Skipping out on the commute? More time with your family? Working in your pajamas? Your work-life balance could be at an all-time high.

It's all about productivity, though—and communication! The chance to work remotely is not an opportunity to slack off. It's an opportunity to prove you're just as valuable, if not more so, as a remote worker.

So, celebrate the good news! Remote work is all the rage. If it's working at your workplace, it's probably a lasting change.

What do you love most about working remotely? Do YOU think working remotely makes you more productive? Tell us!