As the world slowly returns to normal after a year of pandemic-induced upheaval, one change seems here to stay: the trend toward work-from-home arrangements. According to a recent survey, nearly 60% of employers say they are now more open to letting employees work remotely than before the pandemic.
And this shift is having a positive impact on businesses, with studies showing that remote workers are more productive and less likely to take time off. In today's blog post, we'll take a closer look at work-from-home statistics and how it has and will impact the American workforce.
Whether you're thinking of transitioning to a remote job or just want to know more about the trend, this post has everything you need to know. So keep reading for all the details!
Main Work From Home Statistics And Trends 2023
In order to answer this question, we undertook an analysis of trends and compiled statistics from various sources. Previously, we have compiled data for houseplant statistics.
- Almost 66% of US companies offer remote work.
- In the last 5 years, 44% of employees started working from home.
- Since 2010, the number of American citizens working from home has increased by 400%.
- More than half of the employees working from home say that WFH increases productivity.
- IT And Tech has the highest number of remote employees.
- By 2025, 70% of the workforce will be working remotely at least five days a month.
Almost two-thirds of US companies allow hybrid/remote work
The pandemic has forced employers and businesses to reevaluate the way they operate. One of the most significant changes has been the embrace of work-from-home culture. Even as the pandemic ends, many employers happily continue to allow their employees to work from home. (Source: Mercer)
Almost 66% of employers globally are adapting their operations and work environment to accommodate a hybrid work model. (Source: Microsoft)
Be it saving money on overhead costs or an opportunity to attract and retain talent, one thing that's certain is this work-from-home culture is here to stay. In today's ever-changing landscape, being able to quickly adapt is critical for any business!
Compared to five years ago, 44% more employees are working from home
With more and more people struggling to juggle their work and personal lives, remote work offers a way to achieve a better balance between the two. Consequently, it is not surprising that remote work has gained popularity in recent years.
Advances in technology have made it easier than ever to stay connected no matter where you are. With numerous collaboration software to video meeting tools, it has been easier than ever to work remotely. (Global Workplace Analytics)
Additionally, the COVID lockdowns forced both employees and employers to notice the benefits of remote work culture. With less time spent commuting and more flexible hours, working from home is becoming the new norm. In fact, ResearchGate estimates that 70% of the workforce will work remotely at least 5 days a month by 2025.
51% reported an increase in productivity while working from home
It's no secret that working from home has its perks. In addition to being able to wear pajamas all day and take work calls from the comfort of your sofa, research shows that remote working can also boost productivity levels.
In a recent survey on working from home, half of the respondents reported an increase in productivity while 95% said the same or higher productivity when working remotely. The main reason for this increase? Fewer distractions and a quieter environment!
Additionally, working from home provides employees with more flexibility, allowing them to create their schedules and take breaks when they need to. As a result, it’s not surprising that so many people report being more productive when they work from home. (Source: Flexjobs)
According to 67% of remote workers, flexible hours are the most appealing aspect of working from home
For many workers, the ability to set their hours is the most appealing aspect of working from home. This flexibility allows them to better balance their work and personal life, and avoid the need for childcare or other caregiving arrangements.
Moreover, telecommuting allows workers to save time and stress by eliminating the gruesome commuting hours, that rather be spent on hobbies, relaxation, and with loved ones. This extra time also enables workers to focus on their health by indulging in gardening, working out regularly, and cooking at home, hence improving both physical and mental health.
According to Global Workplace Analytics, 69% of remote workers report a healthier work-life balance.
One in five workers would accept a 10% cut in salary in exchange for remote work on a permanent basis
This shows that the desire for greater flexibility and autonomy is widespread, and it's something that employers should take into consideration when designing job descriptions and workplace policies.
69% of Millenials say that they are willing to overlook some benefits in exchange for a remote work opportunity that allows them to spend their time on their terms. (Owl Labs)A total of 178 billion dollars was spent by enterprises on cloud infrastructure in 2021. (Source: Statista)
With so many employees now working remotely, the need for reliable and accessible cloud-based systems has never been greater. The use of collaborative platforms has doubled in 2021 (Garter, Inc.).
Last year, public cloud services were predicted to grow 20.4% to total $494.7 billion. In 2023, end-user spending is expected to reach almost $600 billion.
This investment is driven largely by the need to support a workforce that is spread out across different locations. By leveraging the cloud, businesses can ensure that their employees have the same access to applications and data, regardless of where they are working from.
In addition, the cloud enables businesses to scale their operations quickly and efficiently, making it a critical tool for businesses that are looking to remain agile in the face of change.
The number of remote workers in the USA has increased by 400% since 2010
That's a lot of people working in their pajamas!
This surge in remote work is being driven by several factors, including the rise of the gig economy, the increasing popularity of coworking spaces, and the growth of internet-based communication tools. (Source: Hubspot)
Almost 60% of remote workers reported feelings of isolation and depression
Despite its countless benefits, working from home has its drawbacks. In 2021 a study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, two-thirds of respondents reported negative impacts on their mental health. In 2022, 86% of employees who work from home full-time reported feeling burnt out.
Without the structure and social interaction of a traditional office setting, it can be easy to feel disconnected from the world. And, without a set schedule or commute, it can be hard to find the motivation to get out of bed each day. One year of working from home can reduce car emissions by 27 million metric tons. (Source: Global Workplace Analytics)
That's the equivalent of taking 5.7 million cars off the road. And it's not just good for the environment- it's good for your wallet, too. Gas prices are rising, and public transportation can be expensive. Working from home can save you money and help reduce your carbon footprint. Small businesses are twice as likely to employ full-time remote workers. (Source: Owl Labs)
Having remote teams allow them to save money on overhead cost, office rent, and other operational costs. Consequently, this enables small businesses to increase their budget for more crucial and growth-inducing sectors such as marketing and advertising.
Only 43% of employees use VPN while working remotely
This lack of security measures can pose a serious threat to corporations, who may be storing sensitive information on remote workers' devices or cloud storage. Without the proper protection such as using VPN, this data may be vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. (Source: Statista)
As more and more companies embrace the work-from-home culture, they must educate their employees on the importance of cyber security and take the necessary precautions.
Two-thirds of recruiters believe that the remote working option helps them attract and retain quality candidates
Given the current global situation, many workers are simply looking for an employer that offers a remote working option – so it’s clear that this is something that jobseekers value highly. 74% of people would at their current job longer if they had the chance to work remotely. (Source: Owl Labs)
By allowing their employees to work from home, companies can attract and retain top talent, boost productivity levels, and stay ahead of the curve in today’s ever-changing business landscape.
Tech and IT sector has the highest number of remote workers (17%)
IT professionals constitute the majority of the remote workforce in the USA. This is likely because many tech jobs can be done from anywhere in the world. In addition, the tech sector is also known for being one of the most flexible industries when it comes to hours and working from home. (Source: Global Workplace Analytics)
Among other industries with a high remote worker ratio are:
- Tech and IT (17%)
- Healthcare (11%)
- Finance (10%)
- Real Estate (5%)
Remote work has allowed 2 million renters to buy property in the US
Based on a comparison of median rental prices with median home prices in major metropolitan areas, it can be seen that, in many cases, the cost of renting is now comparable to the cost of owning. (Source: Zillow)
This new reality opens up a world of possibilities for renters who have been priced out of the market in their current city. With the option to work remotely, they can now afford to purchase a home in another part of the country where housing costs are more affordable.
Remote workers earn an average of $4,000 more than on-site workers
There are several reasons for this wage premium, including the fact that remote workers tend to have more experience and skills than on-site workers. In addition, companies are often willing to pay more for remote workers to attract and retain top talent. (Source: FlexJobs)
Moreover, the increased productivity due to fewer distractions and the zero commute cost contributes to a higher average salary for telecommuters.
Overview of work-from-home statistics
Despite the challenges, more and more people are finding that working from home can be a great way to achieve a better work/life balance. With a little planning and effort, it is possible to create a workspace that is both comfortable and productive. And, with the right attitude, working from home can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
