As the debate over where work happens continues in the press, many people and businesses are just quietly getting on with their work—but in new ways.
Remote work is down, in-office work is up and hybrid appears to be here to stay. In the midst of this reality, you can empower yourself to find what works best for you with an understanding of the trends and knowledge of which industries will have the most to offer.
But you’ll also want to consider roles which offer the best value equation—and what will provide you with happiness and satisfaction.
Shifts In Where Work Happens
Compared to last year, the number of remote job opportunities has declined, from 21% to 17%. In fact, April was a turning point with the number of remote roles falling under 20%. There are still plenty of opportunities based on sheer numbers—with 700,000 remote jobs available, but they have declined overall. All of this is according to analysis by Adzuna.
In-office roles are on the increase with a rise from 3.6% last year to 4.2% this year. And options for hybrid work have also risen slightly, accounting for 3.7% of all advertised vacancies—up .7 percentage points from last year, based on Adzuna data. And fully 71% report in a poll by Atlassian that they have the opportunity to work remote at least one day per week.
Industries and Money Matter
If you’re looking for a certain type of role, you’re most likely to find a remote opportunity working in fields of science, IT and PR. If you’d like a hybrid role, you’re most likely to find it in accounting and finance and HR. And if you crave being in person with your people at the workplace, check out the fields of energy, engineering or trade and construction.
Options for flexible work are also tied to salary. For jobs which pay between $140,000 and $200,000, more than a third had the option to work remote. On the other hand, for jobs paying under $60,000, only one in 20 offered remote work options. Jobs paying less than $40,000 were most likely to be office-based.
What’s Best for You
There is a lot to love about having the option to work away from the office some of the time. In fact, people say what they appreciate most are improved work-life balance, more efficient use of time and reduced burnout or fatigue, according to a poll by Gallup.
But people also struggle with key challenges with remote or hybrid arrangements—and these can guide you as you select your best options.
1. Connect with the Culture
One of the biggest problems people have with remote or hybrid work is feeling less connected to organizational culture, based on the Gallup data.
Look for organizations with strong, constructive cultures providing purpose, inspiration and direction as well as opportunities for involvement—and featuring clear processes as well as the ability to adapt.
Organizations with the best success in creating an experience that is inspiring and motivating—no matter where you work—are especially intentional about these elements of culture.
2. Select Your Team
Another struggle with remote and hybrid work is a decline in team collaboration, impaired working relationships with colleagues and reduced communication and collaboration, according to the Gallup data.
When you’re considering jobs and work models, ask about how people stay in touch and maintain connection, regardless of work locations. And be selective about organizations based on how well you get along with potential co-workers.
Work is a source of friendship, connection and meaning. Your ability to feel like part of a cohesive team—even at a distance—will be critical to your sense of satisfaction and happiness.
3. Assess the Processes and Tools
Another challenge as people work in new ways is disrupted processes; difficulty coordinating work schedules, tasks and timelines; and lack of access to work resources and equipment, based on the Gallup poll. The Atlassian data suggests 26% of people don’t have the collaboration tools they need to do their work effectively.
When you’re evaluating an employer, ask plenty of questions about the tools they leverage to support hybrid work—both what’s available in the office (such as remote collaboration technologies)—and what will be available when you’re offsite.
You’ll be most satisfied when the company offers the tools and technologies which remove friction from your day and help you do your work seamlessly no matter where you’re showing up.
4. Tap Your Energy
When you’re considering what kind of work model will work best for you, reflect on where you do your best and the conditions when you feel most energized. If being alone helps you focus and concentrate, remote may be your ideal. Or if you lose momentum and feel disconnected when you’re on your own, you may want the option to spend time in an office.
Also consider the spillover effect. Multiple studies (one example is published in the Journal of Labor Economics) have shown that you tend to get energy from being with others and when people around you are engaged and productive, you’re more likely to be as well.
5. Consider Your Work and Your Team
And consider the nature of your work. A study by Maastricht University and Erasmus University found when you’re doing work which is more routine, it may be best done alone. But if your work requires creativity, problem solving or speed, you may be better off to seek out in-person time with colleagues—and to have a job that allows you to do this easily.
Also consider your team and your company—knowing it’s important to get your own needs met, but also important to contribute to others’ outcomes.
Empowering Success
Overall, as you’re choosing a job and a company, consider whether the organization empowers work no matter where it’s happening. Look for work experiences which support both focused and collaborative work and cultures which nurture learning, empowerment and wellbeing.
Seek out leaders who inspire you and give you a sense of purpose. And look for employers where there’s a high level of respect and regard among co-workers.
These are the ingredients for success in your career, but also satisfaction and happiness in your work-life.
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