Over the past 20 years, some employers started allowing mid to high-level staffers to work from home 1-2 days per week as a perk. However, since the pandemic hit in March 2020, working from home 3, 4 and even 5 days per week has become more mainstream and widespread than ever.
Is the trend here to stay?
Many who telework insist they would do it all or most of the time if given the option.
Is the trend here to stay?
In August, The Washington Post estimated that nearly one-third of office work is done remotely these days, well above pre-pandemic levels. Also, according to The Post, remote work is highest in white-collar sectors and in the areas of finance and technology.
In Virginia, 36% of employers increased telework during the pandemic, and 65% of them intend to continue with similar remote work policies, according to the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and federal labor statistics data.
But not everyone is on board as some argue remote work makes it easier for employees to slack off, and more difficult for departments and teams to develop comradery and cohesiveness.
Nevertheless, nowadays it’s common for job applicants to critique employers’ remote work policies just as they do salary and benefits.
If you have the option to work remotely, are you taking advantage of it, or do you prefer to go to a physical workplace?