It seems that from now on we can already predict the future of remote work. According to Buffer, 97% of employees want to work remotely until the end of their careers. 97% of employees also want to recommend the work-from-anywhere model to others. These statistics show how profound the effects of a pandemic are on human life.
When and how the world works has changed. 2019-2021 was the introduction to remote work. 2022 is the year most companies do mass layoffs. Companies have begun to reduce unnecessary costs, and remote work or hybrid work is the solution. Employees want more meaningful work. Microsoft's New Future Work Report 2022 indicates that we may enter a new work era.
Fundamental changes in remote work will continue until 2023. This post will discuss this trend and the companies that implement it.
The differences between remote and hybrid work
Let's recall the definition of remote working. Technically, you don't need to be present at the office when working remotely. You can communicate and brainstorm by video conferencing or project management tools. There are several practices when it comes to remote work. But the 2 main practices are fully-remote work and hybrid work. Let’s see the differences below.
- Fully-remote work is a type of remote work that allows you to complete work from anywhere and anytime. Remote work usually has a contract system so workers can feel benefits and facilities. On the other hand, remote workers must prepare their equipment when working. But some companies fully support their remote workers by providing personal computers, paying for their internet, and even buying anything they need to work remotely such as a working desk and chair. Freelancing is one of the fully-remote work types.
- Hybrid work is a combination of in-office work and remote work. Companies implementing a hybrid system have employees working in offices and remotely. Some companies use a scheduling system to work in the office. For example, Microsoft employees WFA for 50% of the work week, and the rest work in the office.
The future of Remote Work in 2023
Some of the predictions for remote work trends will happen in 2023. To provide a clearer picture, here are the predictions and their implementation.
1. Hybrid work will increase
The pandemic changed long-term expectations about how people work. Many employees are starting to feel comfortable in off-site mode.
Buffer reported that 72% of companies plan to make remote working permanent. That's an increase of 26% from 2021. Unfortunately, some companies are uncomfortable with this system. Working away from the office makes employees lose connection with the team. PwC mentioned that only 13% of CEOs like remote workers.
Hybrid work is the answer to the problems of CEOs and their employees. The company has employees who work in the office according to the agreement. Employees have a day to work from anywhere at their convenience. In Malaysia, 61,7% of the company wants to continue the Hybrid working model.
2. Companies need to pay attention to employees' welfare
Off-site work blurs the line between work and person. The company began to prioritise employee welfare and mental health. This focus is vital for developing resilience in the workplace.
Bert Jacobs said that a smart strategy for building a solid business is to focus on employee well-being. Why is that? Because it is related to involvement and productivity.
In 2023, it is predicted that businesses will increase efforts to solve this problem. Businesses seek to provide mental health counselling and organise team-building activities.
3. Switching to freelancing
Freelance options are starting to catch the attention of companies. When employees disagree with the hybrid option, then freelancing is the answer. They are not tied to the company and work as they see fit. For companies, freelancers are more cost-effective because they are based on contracts.
Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork prove that people are increasingly interested in freelancing. Companies don't need to do branding through this platform to attract talent. Some platforms allow freelancers to bid on jobs from companies.
4. Electronic monitoring or Bossware
According to SoftActivity, bossware or electronic monitoring can be used to keep track of how much time employees spend on the Internet or away from their computers. One of the popular software is the project management tool. It can track and update progress.
When employees are in remote locations, the company monitors productivity from bossware. It is a necessity to see employee efficiency and performance. Digital.com reported that 60% of employers require employees to install bossware on their devices. Companies use this for various reasons, such as:
- 79% to better understand how employees use their time
- 65% confirm people work a full day
- 50% to ensure employees use facilities to complete their work
Still, many workers are uncomfortable being watched. A study from the University of California Berkeley Labor Center calls employers' attention to the dangers of monitoring. Bossware can cause employees to lose privacy.
5. Virtual interviews will be applied more
Virtual interviews have become a necessity since the pandemic emerged. And this trend will continue. Indeed reported that 82% of hiring managers use virtual interviews to find new talent.
The company notes that virtual interviews simplify logistics and cost and save time. According to RecRight, 80% of candidates also like video interviews as a recruitment process.
5 companies that implement Remote or Hybrid Work
Remote companies get their work done 100% online. They still have their headquarters, but they rarely function. Here are the companies with remote and hybrid setups:
1. Microsoft - Hybrid
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Microsoft has provided hybrid work options. They can spend 50% of their week working from anywhere. Microsoft also offers the option of working remotely but with management approval.
2. Shopify - Hybrid, and Remote-first
A tweet from Shopify's CEO in May 2020 said the company would be digital by default. Tobi Lutke, CEO of Shopify, also said that most employees would be working remotely permanently. However, employees can still work in Canadian and Irish offices.
3. Spotify - Hybrid
Spotify takes a hybrid approach to its employees. The company also offers the option of working from anywhere. However, Spotify provides co-working spaces for employees who live far from the office location. This facility makes Spotify superior in the hybrid model.
4. Twitter
Social networking company Twitter is also implementing hybrid and remote-first. Twitter allows their employees to work from anywhere permanently, as long as their roles allow it.
5. Quora
Adam D'Angelo, a co-founder of Quora, said that the company would implement a hybrid and remote-first system in June 2020. Some Quora employees have chosen not to return to the office after the pandemic.
Conclusion
Making predictions with a minimal grid is risky. But ignoring trends and patterns is also wrong. Companies need to adapt their policies to thrive in their businesses in 2023. Flexibility in changing the working model is necessary. As we see, remote work or hybrid work is everywhere. Deep research and development are needed to see the direction of remote work in 2023.
