The dramatic shift to remote work caused by the onset of COVID-19 has both set new trends for the future and introduced new, efficient ways to redevelop obsolete business models. Companies that failed to switch to the remote work mode in a timely manner are now declaring bankruptcy or laying off workers. Some of the big names are on this list, too.

How is that possible?

It’s quite simple, really. With the rise of startups and emerging innovation trends, businesses are struggling to adapt or die out, and numerous industry giants are barely coping. With the pandemic going strong, there is no more time for adjustments. It’s now or never!

In truth, though, the gig economy has been steadily rising for some time now; it’s just that the old school executives were unwilling to give up their benefits, failing to realize in the process that their futures will be unstable because of their choice.

Let’s see why remote work could be the future for all of us, and sooner than many deemed possibly merely a year or two ago.

1. Location Doesn’t Matter

Have you heard of digital nomads? These people travel the world while working remotely. While this lifestyle may be difficult in the beginning, in the long term it is rather rewarding.

Actually, remote work - which should be titled “work from pretty much anywhere” - symbolizes exactly that. You can work from wherever you wish and enjoy the freedom to live your life to the fullest.

In fact, many now predict that the shift to remote work will cause a redistribution of workers from the present day hubs to elsewhere. Silicon Valley may well remain a hub only in name.

Namely, according to a recent survey, a number of founders of venture-backed companies have shared their insights into the future of their companies, as follows:

76% of founders have found out that remote work has either increased or is maintained overall productivity
70% of founders say that they will allow either some or all of their employees to continue working remotely
66% of founders say they are reconsidering their investments in the offices
65% of founders say that if the lockdown was lifted tomorrow, they would not return their work to the office

All these stats go to show that remote work isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Rather, it is expected to redefine the way business is done from this year onwards.

2. Lifestyle Changes

There have been numerous reports on perception shifts during the pandemic. It’s only to be expected, given that many people haven’t had the opportunity to work from home before.

The USA Today has recently reported that Americans are increasingly buying backyard sheds in an attempt to convert them to office space. The increase has been estimated at a stunning 400%, which speaks volumes about people’s ideas of the future of work.

As a matter of fact, a survey of business executives from PwC shows that 89% of employees are hoping they’ll be allowed to work from home at least one day per week after the pandemic.

3. Resource Reallocation

Obviously, running an office is expensive. Employers have to allocate considerable sums of money for bills, furnishing, employee benefits, etc. On the other hand, when people work remotely, there are no additional costs whatsoever.

Remote work can save significant sums of money that can be reallocated for other purposes. In the long run, this means that employees can get additional incentives while enjoying the freedom to work from whenever.

It seems like a win-win situation for both the employers and the employees, so why not go for it?

4. New Age Communication

Newbies to remote work often seem to misinterpret certain aspects of the lifestyle, notably the socialization part. While many people who were forced to work remotely due to the pandemic initially reported alarming stress levels, they have come to realize that communication has never been more vibrant.

Or else, how do you think remote teams spanning multiple countries operate on a daily basis?

There are numerous communication tools available, with Slack and Zoom hitting the spotlight presently. Skype has been around for a while, and most people are familiar with it, too.

However, it is in new technologies that the future of remote work lies. Online communication tools are indeed getting more creative by the minute.

5. Prequalification Has Never Been Easier

Because the gig economy has to offer a little something for everyone, and we mean globally, remote workers and freelancers know how important it is to keep expanding their skills. Freelancers can tell you that finding well-paid jobs isn’t easy when the competition is - the entire world.

Still, experts will always be in high demand. With a plethora of online resources and an increasing number of universities turning to online tutoring, it has never been easier to land the career of your dream. All that - from wherever in the wide world. Remarkable, isn’t it?

6. Creative Technologies Vs. Uncreative Humans: It’s Time to Redefine Creativity

Seriously, how many times have we heard employees complaining about being stifled at their work? Let’s face it - office work is rarely creative and even more rarely satisfies every employee's expectations.

With the atmosphere of competitiveness that has sadly become the standard with traditional businesses, more often than not, people who might have otherwise been on friendly terms, are being forced to fight tooth and nail for their place under the sun.

Not so with remote work. Certainly, your tasks aren’t going to become less demanding, but you will feel more relaxed and have more freedom to prioritize.

An Afterword

Remote work just may become the dream-come-true for everyone. Whether you prefer freelancing, digital nomadism or your old job position relocated to the nearby park, you will be able to enjoy the lifestyle you always wanted.

Presently, many people are worried about traditional issues like life insurance, business meetings and similar, but as time passes, all these aspects will evolve to embrace new trends. That’s what has always happened and what always will - it’s called progress. Embrace it!