What Percentage Of Jobs Are Remote Work?
In October 2023, the US workforce peaked at 160.6 million workers, just one year after the pandemic began.
Statistics on remote work show that more than 4.7 million individuals in the US perform remote work for at least half of their work time. Surprisingly, 40% of companies have no provisions for remote working, while only 20% are only looking for remote employees.
Globally, Owl Lab’s research shows that 16% of companies operate entirely through a remote setup. At the same time, this study highlights that approximately 62% of workers between the ages of 22 and 65 work remotely intermittently.
Furthermore, the study highlights that 44% of companies globally restrict all forms of remote work. This highlights the significant differences in remote working policies adopted by companies around the world, affecting their workforce dynamics.
Why Are Remote Workers More Productive?
Remote workers tend to be more efficient because they dodge the daily commute, minimize office chitchat, face fewer distractions, and gain more flexibility for family and exercise, enhancing their overall well-being and balancing work and life effectively.
Job satisfaction stands as a pivotal factor in upholding high productivity and curbing employee turnover rates.
Companies embracing telecommuting often receive more endorsements from their employees to friends seeking jobs, in contrast to those with rigid office setups.
Productivity often sees an upswing among remote employees when organizations offer them access to webinars covering job-relevant subjects or pathways for career growth.
Furthermore, providing lateral movement opportunities within a company for remote workers broadens their horizons, ushering in fresh chances for professional development and diversification.
Benefits Of Working From Home For Employers And Employees
Global Workplace Analytics approximates that employers could save around $11,000 per employee annually. These savings stem from reduced office space expenses, boosted productivity, decreased absenteeism, and lower turnover rates.
Employees, on the other hand, could potentially save between $2,500 and $4,000 yearly. This is attributed to decreased expenditures on food, fuel, parking, car insurance, and vehicle maintenance.
Do employees want to return to the office?
A study conducted by Slack, encompassing 9,000 workers across six countries, revealed that 72% of respondents prefer a mix of remote and office work, while only 12% lean toward a strict office-based setup. Interestingly, 13% expressed a desire to work exclusively from home if given the choice.
Similarly, PwC carried out a survey involving 1,200 US office workers and 120 executives in 2020. Astonishingly, 73% of the surveyed executives acknowledged the success of remote work.
The PwC survey further indicated that 72% of the workers surveyed aspire to continue working remotely for at least two days a week, even when full-time office work resumes. Additionally, 32% expressed a keenness for permanent remote work.
Remarkably, the executives surveyed in the PwC study anticipated a 30% reduction in their future office space requirements over the next three years, indicating a significant shift in workplace dynamics and real estate needs.
Key Remote Work Statistics
Amidst the constantly changing landscape of post-pandemic work in 2023, various significant remote work statistics emerge. These not only shed light on the present status of remote work but also offer a peek into its forthcoming trends and possibilities.
As of 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, while 28.2% work a hybrid model
At present, about 12.7% of full-time employees engage in remote work, showcasing the swift integration of remote work setups. Concurrently, a notable 28.2% of employees have embraced a hybrid work approach, blending both remote and in-office work, providing flexibility while ensuring a level of physical presence at work.
However, despite the steady growth of remote work, the majority of the workforce (59.1%) continues to operate from traditional office spaces. This statistic highlights that while remote work is gaining traction, the conventional in-office setup remains predominant and far from becoming outdated.
By 2025, 32.6 million Americans will work remotely by 2025
In the upcoming years, remote work appears to hold significant promise. Upwork predicts that by 2025, approximately 32.6 million Americans, roughly 22% of the workforce, will be engaged in remote work. This projection indicates an ongoing but steady movement towards remote work setups.
98% of workers want to work remote at least some of the time
Workers’ inclination toward remote work falls in line with this pattern. An astounding 98% of employees have shown an interest in engaging in remote work, even if only occasionally. This significant number indicates the workforce’s increasing attraction to the flexibility, independence, and improved balance between work and personal life that remote work can provide.
93% of employers plan to continue conducting job interviews remotely
Employers are also embracing remote work, as evident in their actions. A notable 93% of employers intend to persist with conducting job interviews remotely. This demonstrates their readiness to adapt to virtual approaches, signifying the acknowledgment of remote work as a viable and lasting choice.
16% of companies operate fully remote
Around 16% of companies have adopted a completely remote system, operating without a physical office space. These businesses serve as pioneers in the field of remote work, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach and providing a model for others to follow.
Remote Work by Industry and Occupation
Some industries and job roles are leaning more towards remote work, and understanding these trends gives us a glimpse into the future of remote work.
In 2023, the computer and IT sector stand out as the leading industry for remote work. This aligns with the digital nature of tasks in this field, often just needing a reliable internet connection.
Other sectors are also embracing remote work. Areas like marketing, accounting, finance, and project management have adopted remote work, using digital tools to ensure smooth operations. The healthcare sector has shifted towards remote work, influenced by the rise of telehealth services and the digitization of health records.
Even traditionally office-based sectors like HR, recruiting, and customer service are benefitting from remote work. Virtual collaboration tools have enabled these industries to function efficiently, regardless of physical location.
When it comes to sought-after remote job roles, accountants top the list in 2022. This shows how even typical office roles, like accounting, can transition effectively to remote work.
Other significant remote job roles include executive assistants, customer service representatives, and senior financial analysts. Despite their diversity, these roles can all be managed effectively with the right technology, eliminating the need for a physical office.
Recruiters, project managers, technical writers, product marketing managers, customer success managers, and graphic designers also hold prominent positions in remote work roles. The wide range of these positions indicates the expanding scope of remote work across different fields.
These industry-specific and occupation-centric statistics highlight the widespread acceptance of remote work. As digital tools evolve and work practices change, remote work is no longer confined to specific niches but is becoming a growing trend across various professional domains.
The top industry for remote workers in 2024 is computer and IT
- Information Technology
- Advertising
- Financial Accounting
- Project Oversight
- Healthcare
- Human Resources and Recruitment
- Client Support
An accountant was the most common remote job posting in 2023
- Financial Analyst
- Assistant to Executives
- A representative for Customer Service
- Senior Analyst in Finance
- Talent Scout
- Manager for Projects
- Writer with Technical Expertise
- Manager in Product Marketing
- Manager for Customer Success
- Designer of Graphics
Remote Work by Demographics
Exploring the demographics of remote work in 2023 provides intriguing insights into who is adopting this work style and how it impacts their lives.
The highest percentage of remote workers are aged 24 to 35
Individuals between the ages of 24 and 35 form the most inclined age group towards remote work. Among this demographic, 39% engage in full-time remote work, while 25% do so on a part-time basis. This indicates that younger professionals highly value the flexibility and independence that remote work offers, potentially influencing businesses aiming to attract and retain talent from this age bracket.
Education levels significantly impact access to remote work opportunities. Those with advanced education qualifications have greater access to remote work opportunities. This could stem from the nature of roles requiring postgraduate qualifications, often involving cognitive work that can be accomplished from any location.
Workers with more education are more likely to have remote work options
| Education level | Full-time remote | Part-time remote |
| Advanced degree | 45% | 31% |
| Bachelor’s | 40% | 26% |
| Less than high school | 32% | 21% |
| Associate’s | 31% | 19% |
| High school/some college | 29% | 19% |
A higher percentage of men work remote than women
More men work from home than women do. Around 38% of men engage in full-time remote work, and 23% do it part-time. In comparison, about 30% of women work remotely full-time, and 22% do so part-time. These numbers indicate a gender disparity in remote work, emphasizing the importance of implementing inclusive remote work policies to ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
Remote workers on average earn $19,000 more than in-office workers
Remote work appears to positively impact earnings. On average, remote workers earn about $19,000 more than their in-office counterparts [1]. Remote workers have an average salary of $74,000, while those in traditional office settings typically earn around $55,000.
Individuals adopting a hybrid work model report the highest average salary, amounting to $80,000. This could be linked to the flexibility and equilibrium that hybrid work offers, allowing employees to enhance productivity and potentially take on more roles.
These insights into demographics offer a glimpse into the current remote work scenario. Understanding these trends can assist employers in crafting remote work policies that meet the needs and preferences of their workforce, while also addressing any disparities in access and compensation.
Remote Work Preferences (Surveys, Sentiment, etc.)
In an era of ever-expanding remote work, understanding the complex structure of workers’ emotions has become paramount. Delving into detailed surveys and research will reveal countless valuable insights, providing a clear view of worker preferences and the profound impact of remote work on their daily lives.
57% of workers would look for a new job if their current company didn’t allow remote work
57% of employees would contemplate quitting their jobs if their employers abolished remote work. This statistic highlights how much importance workers attach to the freedom and independence that come with remote work.
35% of remote employees feel more productive when working fully remote
Productivity plays a crucial role in shaping workers’ preferences for remote work. About 35% of remote workers express feeling more productive when operating fully from home. This might stem from shorter commute times, fewer distractions in person, or the freedom to create a workspace that caters to their specific requirements.
65% report wanting to work remote all of the time
65% of workers aim to work remotely full-time, showcasing the widespread appeal of this work style. Meanwhile, 32% favor a hybrid arrangement, seeking a balance that merges the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative aspects found in office settings.
71% of remote workers said remote work helps balance their work and personal life
Remote work appears to significantly influence the work-life balance, a critical element in employee welfare. A substantial 71% of remote workers affirm that working remotely aids in managing their work and personal life harmony. However, it’s worth noting that 12% find remote work detrimental to their work-life equilibrium, suggesting that this model may not be suitable for everyone.
Recognizing these preferences holds immense importance for organizations when crafting their remote work policies. The objective should center on leveraging the advantages of remote work—like heightened productivity and better work-life balance—while addressing potential drawbacks to ensure a positive remote work experience for all employees.
Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work
Embracing remote work brings both advantages and challenges, affecting both employees and employers in diverse ways. Grasping these facets can aid in devising effective strategies for handling remote work.
Remote workers say that flexible hours are the top benefits of working remotely
Top Preferred Additional Benefits for Remote Employees:
- Adaptable schedules
- Equipment provided by the employer
- Allowance for a home office
- Virtual team-building events
- Support with internet connectivity
Workers often highlight flexible hours as a primary advantage of remote work. Having the freedom to structure work hours around personal commitments and preferences proves to be a major benefit, resulting in enhanced work-life balance and job contentment.
69% of remote workers report increased burnout from digital communication tools
Yet, the shift to remote work presents its own hurdles. A significant 69% of remote workers encounter amplified burnout due to digital communication tools. The incessant flow of digital messages can result in mental exhaustion, emphasizing the necessity for well-defined work boundaries and strategies promoting digital well-being.
53% of remote workers say it’s harder to feel connected to their coworkers
Another obstacle linked to remote work involves the absence of in-person interaction. Surveys among remote workers reveal the struggle in fostering connections with colleagues. Interestingly, 37% perceive that remote work has a neutral impact on their connection with coworkers. This underscores the importance of implementing robust communication methods and team-building approaches within a remote work environment.
Research shows that employers can save $11,000 per employee when switching to remote work
Remote work offers significant financial benefits to employers despite its challenges. Research indicates that adopting remote work can result in savings of $11,000 per employee. These savings arise from reduced expenses tied to office space, utilities, and various resources.
Yet, despite its advantages like flexible scheduling and cost-efficiency, remote work brings about hurdles such as digital fatigue and diminished social connections. Employers and employees must collaborate effectively, leveraging the advantages while proactively addressing the challenges. This joint effort aims to establish a harmonious and productive remote work environment.
Remote Work Trends 2024
The move to remote work has highlighted significant trends, influencing how both companies and employees engage with this work model.
60% of companies use monitoring software to track remote employees
One notable trend is the rise in the use of monitoring software, with about 60% of companies employing these tools to monitor remote employees. While these tools can enhance productivity and accountability, they also raise privacy concerns, emphasizing the importance of transparent and consensual use.
73% of executives believe remote workers pose a greater security risk
Cybersecurity has emerged as a crucial worry for businesses. A notable 73% of executives see remote workers as a heightened security risk. This anxiety emphasizes the importance of strong security measures and educating employees on safe digital behaviors while working remotely.
32% of hybrid workers report they would take a pay cut to work remotely full-time
Another notable trend highlighting the inclination toward remote work is employees’ readiness to make financial compromises. An unexpected 32% of hybrid workers express their willingness to accept a salary reduction if it means working remotely full-time. This underscores the immense importance employees attribute to the flexibility and independence that remote work offers, possibly influencing how companies reframe compensation strategies in the future.
These trends offer significant insights into the shifting dynamics of remote work. As we navigate this evolving work landscape, grasping these trends becomes pivotal in designing effective remote work policies and approaches. Understanding these nuances will be crucial in shaping the future of remote work environments.
Sources
The information in this article was compiled by SiSu Freedom experts from many different sources, including: WFHResearch, Upwork, Buffer, Indeed, ApolloTechnical, FlexJobs, McKinsey, Gallup, PRNewswire, PewResearch, TheStreet, OpenVPN.
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