According to a startling new report from FlexJobs, a trailblazing job search engine for flexible and remote work opportunities, 95% of employees now say they prefer to work from home, either completely remotely or in a hybrid environment.
Unexpected pioneers in remote work by 2024
A few surprising names were revealed among the ranks of FlexJobs’ recent list of the Top 100 organizations embracing remote work in 2024, including Zillow, Williams-Sonoma, and CVS Health. This collection of businesses demonstrates an unexpected and widespread trend toward remote employment in various industries, upending long-standing conventions in the field.
Increasing domains and scales for remote employment
While computer and IT jobs have historically dominated remote work options, Toni Frana of FlexJobs notes that the post-pandemic scenario has seen a huge growth in remote positions across industries including customer service and health. Additionally, a greater spectrum of vocational and educational backgrounds can now apply for remote positions.
Unexpected remote roles on the rise
FlexJobs’ research indicates a growing demand for remote roles in less conventional fields, including culinary specialists and speech language pathologists, reflecting the diverse possibilities remote work offers. Similarly, roles like virtual healthcare providers and remote legal consultants are becoming more common, challenging the idea that certain jobs necessitate physical presence.
Remote work in healthcare: A field to watch
The healthcare sector, in particular, presents an interesting case study in remote work. Despite the perception that high-status healthcare roles require physical presence, the rise of online therapy and telehealth services suggests a significant shift towards remote healthcare delivery.
The future of remote work
Experts like Brown predict that the expansion of remote work will not only continue but accelerate, breaking traditional barriers and extending into sectors like manufacturing and science. They advocate for continuous upskilling and leveraging resources like online learning platforms to adapt to this evolving landscape.
Career strategies for the remote work era
For those looking for remote work, FlexJobs highlights the need to have a strong CV, emphasizing transferable talents and keeping up with industry changes as essential tactics. The keys to navigating the future of work in a world where employment is becoming more and more remote are networking, upskilling, and resilience building.
The workforce’s continued use of remote and hybrid work arrangements significantly impacts industry standards, corporate policy, and career advancement. FlexJobs’ insights provide a road map for both employers and employees to navigate this changing environment, indicating a revolutionary shift in the way work is done in the digital age.
