the future of remote work: is it here to stay?

Remote working has evolved beyond being a perk or productivity enhancer; it is now a powerful workforce driver for recruiting top talent and enhancing employer branding. Randstad's 2023 Employer Brand Research UK Report found that improved work-life balance is the most important job driver. What’s more, the latest data revealed that this driver also grows slightly more important with age.

Worried your business will be left behind? There may be reasons for companies to be concerned. Let’s explore whether remote working is simply a temporary measure to cope with a global crisis or whether we’ve experienced a lasting shift in the world of work. 

the rise and sustainability of remote work

In today’s talent-scarce market, remote work has become crucial to address employee attrition and talent shortages.

Remote working emerged as a necessary way of working during the Coronavirus pandemic. It describes the way that employees can complete their necessary duties from the comfort of their homes.

Of course, not everyone can partake in this virtual revolution; jobs like construction workers, waiting staff, and healthcare professionals require a hands-on approach. But for the desk-dwellers among us, remote working has unleashed a new era of flexibility, collaboration, and that elusive work-life balance we all crave. And who doesn’t want that?

Remote working is usually a logistical balance between what works for the employee and the employer. Some companies champion full-time remote work, while others favour a hybrid model where individuals toggle between their home office and a physical workspace. Globally, 41% of employees are still working remotely to some degree. This is largely driven by North America (41%) and APAC (44%). In the UK, there has been a sharp decline in remote work as a whole since 2021. Full remote working declined from 34% to 13%. Partial remote work has however increased slightly to now one in four employees doing so in 2023. This is also something employers across the world are experiencing, with the number of people working fully remotely decreasing across all regions.

While remote working has become a coveted perk among office workers, there are some companies itching to revert back to 100% in-person work. Even Mark Zuckerberg is encouraging employees to work with their team members in person. Although in-office working brings cultural benefits and improves collaboration, these businesses might be making a big mistake. Let’s uncover the reasons why remote work is here to stay, and why those companies might be missing out on the game-changing advantages it brings.

how does remote work impact your employer brand?

Report data from the Randstad Employer Branding Research 2023 UK report shows that one in six UK employees have left or are leaving their employer to seek a better work-life balance. This job-switching behaviour includes employees across all sectors and continents. Here's the interesting part: remote work might just be the key connection. 

As our research shows, increasing work-life balance, and hence remote working, has varying levels of value for white-collar and blue-collar workers. This is likely related to the increased frequency by which white-collar workers are able to work from home. However, this fascinating discovery highlights the unique ways remote work can positively impact individuals across various job roles. 

Remote work has become a game-changer, influencing the job-switching behaviour of today's workforce. Not only does it bring a whole new level of independence and freedom to employees’ professional lives, but supporting remote and flexible working will enhance your employer’s brand and decrease attrition. Remote work has emerged as a crucial factor that influences job-switching behaviour in today’s workforce. 

We believe in championing work-life balance for everyone, creating a friendlier and more harmonious work environment for all. Individuals thrive when able to work from home. They can balance their work and home lives more effectively, plus gain a sense of independence and freedom that empowers them to do their best work. 

That's why we can't help but scratch our heads when considering the idea of removing the benefits of home or remote working. From a business standpoint, it simply doesn't make sense!

the benefits of remote work

There are measurable benefits to supporting employees in their desire to work remotely. These include:

• minimises job-switching behaviour. Allowing employees to work remotely minimises job-switching behaviour amongst employees. Remote working opportunities have significantly impacted how employees approach their attitudes toward work and their careers. Employees now emphasise balance and autonomy above all else— except pay. By offering remote working options, your business can signal that they value the well-being and autonomy of their employees.
• improves employer brand. Offering remote working opportunities can positively impact your corporate image, reputation, and employer brand. Companies that offer remote work options are often seen as progressive, forward-thinking, and adaptable to changing work trends. This positive perception enhances the employer brand and attracts candidates looking for a flexible, modern work environment.
• increases talent pool size. Remote work removes geographic restrictions on talent and allows businesses to tap into a wider talent pool. This increases diversity and a wider range of skilled professionals. This further strengthens employer branding, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to sourcing the best talent regardless of location.
• reduces environmental impact. Remote work allows employees and businesses to cut carbon emissions through a lack of commute and removes any potential pollutants from the work day. For example, single-use coffee cups, crisp packets, printing, and more. Organisations that embrace remote work contribute to a greener future and enhance their employer brand by emphasising sustainability. 

With one in four UK employees still working remotely, employers must continue facilitating remote work where possible. To support this, employer policies should support alternative working arrangements and allow for flexibility. 

future outlook of remote work

In 2021, 54% of employees across the world engaged in some form of remote work. Although the number of fully remote workers has declined since then, the good news is that the popularity of partial remote work remains fairly consistent, with some regions even seeing a slight increase. While there was a slight drop in Latin America, on the whole, the number of people who work partially remotely has remained fairly consistent. In APAC, partially remote work increased slightly, while North America’s fully remote workforce remained high.

It is clear that some industries are better suited for working remotely than others. Understanding these tendencies enables us to forecast the future of remote work.

The leading industry for remote work in 2023 is the computer and IT industry. This is due to the nature of their work. It is often digital, requiring little more than a strong internet connection. But they're not alone in this trend. Other sectors like project management, accounting, and finance have also wholeheartedly embraced remote work, leveraging digital tools and platforms to maintain productivity.

This valuable information paints a clear picture for employers: providing a remote work option when feasible is crucial to keeping employees satisfied and motivated in their roles. So, if your company can swing it, why not hop on board the remote work train? By embracing this flexible approach, you'll not only attract top talent but also create a happier and more engaged workforce. The future of work is evolving, and those who adapt and embrace remote work will reap the benefits. 

By offering remote working as standard, you can create a friendlier and more flexible work environment that keeps employees motivated, productive, and fulfilled.

your new remote working strategy 

Remote working is undoubtedly a huge benefit to employees, employers, and the planet. However, you may find obstacles in your journey to creating a remote workforce. Try the below tips to overcome any issues.

team cohesion

Ensuring team cohesion can be a challenge when working remotely. You could try:

• holding regular video calls. Use video meetings throughout the day to foster collaboration and communication to ensure your team is connected.
• using digital collaboration tools. These include project management apps or instant messaging software. These tools facilitate real-time collaborative projects work and enhance communication.
• virtual team-building. Try hosting virtual team-building activities to build rapport amongst remote teams. This could include virtual happy hours, team games, or online workshops that promote team bonding and camaraderie.

supporting employee mental health

Remote working can take a toll on an employee’s mental health if you don’t have the right support networks in place. As a responsible employer, you have a duty of care to support your employees’ mental health. Try the following strategies:

employee assistance programs (EAP). An employee assistance program is usually a third-party provider that offers free and impartial mental health support. They also typically provide confidential counselling and resources for employees facing mental health challenges.

regular check-ins. Implement a system for regular check-ins with team members to gauge their well-being and offer support. Encourage open conversations about mental health and provide resources for mental health assistance or counselling.

promote work-life balance. Set clear expectations around working hours and encourage employees to take breaks. Provide guidelines on managing remote work stress and encourage self-care practices.

ensuring data security

Data security is of the utmost importance in this digital age. Try the below strategies to ensure your employees take this matter as seriously at home as they would do in the office:

• data handling policies. Create clear workplace policies for handling confidential data and remote access to company systems. Train employees on data security best practices and regularly update them on emerging threats.
• employee education. Host regular training sessions to educate employees about the importance of data security and the potential risks associated with remote work. 

the bottom line on remote working

Remote working is a new frontier in the ever-evolving workplace landscape. 

Trust us, remote working isn't just a passing trend—it's popular and incredibly productive. It has the power to improve work-life balance, reduce the environmental impact of businesses, and even enhance your employer brand. By embracing remote work for your business, you can overcome obstacles like supporting employee mental health, ensuring data security, and fostering team cohesion. This not only improves remote ways of working but also strengthens your employer brand, making your company an even more desirable place to work.

The question is - how far are companies willing to go to improve efficiency and employee satisfaction if that requires letting go of old patterns and adjusting to new ways of working?

• To delve deeper into this topic, download Randstad's latest report. It's packed with valuable insights that will broaden your understanding of remote work and its impact on the workplace. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and unlock the secrets to creating a thriving, friendly, and future-forward work environment.