Remote Work Trends & Statistics: What to Expect in 2023

The ability to work remotely became the No. 1 job perk in 2022.

Remote jobs had a +81% YoY Trend in 2022 in our Remoters remote job board and for the first time, remote jobs attracted a majority of applications on LinkedIn too.

In many industries, like tech and digital marketing, remote is now also the “expected” way of work, with remote workforce showing also higher job satisfaction and loyalty.

Companies worldwide have been pushed to create a remote working policy, providing new ways to support employee wellbeing, and change their recruitment process to support remote employment while also providing in many cases hybrid working arrangements.

But what’s the future of remote work? Let’s look at what to expect for remote work trends in 2023 while assessing how remote work evolved, the learnings from remote and hybrid teams, what employees prefer, the launch of remote talent platforms, and their impact on companies hiring process.

The Remote Work Boom
Adapting to Working Remotely
Employees Now Expect Remote Work
Switching to a Remote Work Model
Remote Work Trends for 2023
Resources to Work Remotely in 2023

The Remote Work Boom

Remote work began to gain traction in the early 2000s when technology and internet access became more accessible until it exploded during Covid in 2020.

Companies worldwide began to realize that remote work provides several benefits for business owners and employees, including cost savings, increased productivity, and greater flexibility.

In addition, more employees began recognizing the potential of remote work to create more fulfilling lives by providing freedom and independence. Many companies encourage employees to work remotely to remain competitive in today’s global economy.

The Covid-19 pandemic changed remote work statistics significantly because an unprecedented number of people began working from home due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines. According to a study, the number of people who worked from home in 2020 nearly doubled from the previous year.

This surge in remote work was seen across the globe and has significantly impacted remote work statistics. Remote work has become a necessary part of many businesses, increasing employee satisfaction and productivity and cutting company costs. Additionally, remote work has helped to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas and has increased employees’ access to flexible hours and accommodating working environments.

Adapting to Working Remotely

Adapting to remote work wasn’t linear for companies and business leaders that needed to gain experience with a hybrid/remote model. Because many had to make the change overnight, it was a struggle.

However, most businesses and companies adapted to remote work by establishing remote work policies, with a highlight on workplace flexibility executing the following:

Investing in tools and services that facilitate remote collaboration and communication, such as videoconferencing, webinar software, virtual whiteboards, and chat platforms.
Ensuring employees have the right equipment, software, and technology to work effectively from home.
Establishing a flexible work schedule that allows employees to accommodate their family commitments.
Introducing measures to help promote mental health and prevent burnout, feelings of loneliness, and emotional exhaustion, such as virtual team-building activities, giving access to coworking spaces and mindfulness practices.
Offering proactive support to employees who may find it difficult to adjust to remote working.
Establishing clear expectations for remote working, such as regular check-ins with managers or supervisors.
Creating a detailed remote friendly hiring process with virtual interviews, and a new onboarding program for new hires joining the team remotely.
Providing resources, tools and training on remote work best practices.
Giving hybrid work arrangement options when no full remote work was possible, allocating the relevant office spaces for hybrid workers.

Office workers also had to adapt to working remotely, and while the concept was definitely desired by many, it was challenging for some to make the change, especially so suddenly. People found it easier to adapt by utilizing different types of technology to stay connected and productive.

This includes utilizing video conferencing programs, cloud-based services, and collaboration tools to communicate and share information. In addition, most began using virtual meetings and virtual workspaces, which allow them to work from anywhere with an internet connection.

Employees quickly learned how to use online tools such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to share documents and updates in real time with coworkers. Finally, they are taking advantage of best practices for remote work, such as setting daily goals and establishing a realistic daily schedule.

Employees Now Expect Remote Work

It’s fascinating to look back and see how attitudes and conceptions have changed since the dawn of remote work and even as recently as the start of the pandemic. Most thought working from home would be a short-term fix to keep people safe and out of the workplace, but instead, it’s become a way of life and an expectation from many existing, new, and potential employees.

Employees now anticipate the option to work remotely for a variety of reasons:

Flexibility: Remote work gives employees more control over when and where they work, allowing them to create a good work-life balance.
Cost Savings: Working remotely eliminates the need to commute or make some work-related investments, including work-specific clothes or lunch.
Productivity: Remote work can increase employee productivity due to fewer distractions, increased focus, and the ability to control their environment. People want to be at home; that’s the bottom line.
Improved Mental Health: Allowing employees to work remotely can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
Job Satisfaction: Remote work can lead to increased job satisfaction due to reduced feelings of isolation, improved freedom, and the ability to work on their terms.
Access to Better Jobs: Allowing remote work gives employers access to a larger pool of talent, allowing them to find the right person for the job regardless of location. This situation works out well for employees and employers since one gets better talent and the other gets better jobs.

There are many reasons that people expect remote work, and if your company doesn’t currently offer it or you’ve gone back to an office-only setting after working remotely for a year or two, it’s time to consider making the change. With the Great Resignation in full swing, it’s up to employers to hang onto the talent they so desperately need.

Switching to a Remote Work Model

Companies adapt shockingly quickly when switching to remote work. The common misconception is that allowing employees to work remotely is a massive inconvenience for employers, but that could not be further from the truth. The onset of the pandemic is proof of that fact.

Switching to a remote work model can be easy as long as the necessary tools and resources are in place. With most companies already having access to the required technology, such as video conferencing, cloud storage, shared documents, and task management systems, transitioning to a remote work model can be a much smoother process than initially anticipated.

Additionally, many businesses already have policies that can be adjusted or modified to accommodate remote working.

Because of the significant benefits of remote work, including increased employee engagement, the switch is a no-brainer. It’s one of the best ways to expand globally.

With that said, let’s talk more about what you can expect from remote work trends for 2023. Spoiler alert: Some of the largest companies in the world are wholeheartedly embracing a remote model, and it’s not going anywhere.

Remote Work Trends for 2023

There’s a lot to expect from remote work trends in 2023, but you’ll likely notice that they all have a people-first mentality. As conceptions of what the traditional workplace should look at continue to shift, employers have zero choices but to keep up.

1. Focus on a Remote Company Culture

Company culture, also known as team culture, refers to the overall workplace attitude maintained by a brand and its employees. Team culture is primarily developed by the company’s team leaders. Companies that value healthy principles, like honesty, respect, and dedication, are highly likely to find success thanks to their positive team attitude and overall behavior at work.

2023 is the year to ensure that everyone understands the company message and core values. Every employee should have the same understanding of what the company stands for, how it wants to be perceived, and what your version of success looks like.

Foster open communication by allowing employees to voice their ideas, concerns, and feedback easily, but be sure to listen. Employers should encourage more team-building activities, and getting employees to work together on occasional joint activities will help foster better relationships and collaboration.

2030 means remembering to celebrate employee success and achievements. Don’t forget to take a moment to recognize all the things your employees accomplish for you, big or small. This recognition will help create a culture where employees feel valued and appreciated, especially remotely.

Establishing feedback cycles are crucial to creating regular loops between managers and employees to ensure they’re both on the same page. Simultaneously, invest in employee development by giving employees the tools and resources they need to succeed and providing they understand you are investing in their growth.

Finally, remember to have fun. Bring some levity into the remote workplace by organizing fun activities or virtual happy hours. You can also put together events for employees to meet in person. A company’s culture goes hand-in-hand with its remote workers’ productivity and loyalty, and it’s trending for 2023.

Learn more about how to develop a remote first work culture in your company in this guide.

2. Flexibility is the Key: Schedule, Communication, Benefits

Remote teams are many times distributed across the world, located in different timezones, needing of flexibility in work schedules, hours and ways to communicate and collaborate. Evaluated by their productivity and work impact, not on specific working hours.

Schedule

This is why is key for a remote based company to allow employees to choose when they would like to start and finish their day within a given set of hours and allow them to take breaks when needed. It’s also crucial to allow for school drop-off and pick-up, as well as other necessary life commitments. Remember, your employees have lives outside of your company, and it doesn’t stop because they’ve logged on.

Implementing flexible scheduling options can also include asking employees to create their weekly schedules or having a set number of hours per week they are required to work, with flexibility in completing those hours. If your business doesn’t have to operate during traditional business hours, your remote employees shouldn’t have to either.

After seeing a higher employee productivity and retention, a few remote based companies are also embracing a 4 day working week, like Marketing Signals that share their successful journey: “We now work 32 hours per week (instead of 37.5) and have removed one full day per week. All teams have been split into two groups with each team alternating work weeks so there is always somebody working on any given week day.” Learn more about it here.

Communication

Flexibility also translates in the way to communicate. Remote companies need asynchronous communication to ensure that contact occurs promptly, even when individuals are not working simultaneously or from the same location.

Asynchronous communication also allows people to respond to messages on their own schedule and enables more efficient collaboration and problem-solving. This type of communication also offers better attention to detail, as individuals can take more time to consider their responses before sending them.

Benefits

Amping up the benefits for remote employees will be huge in 2023, such as encouraging a healthy work-life balance and providing resources and support for remote employees. Consider offering your employees access to mental health services or other “self-care” assistance. These could include free yoga classes or personal training sessions, or webinars that teach meditation.

Most of us know that working remotely is not a vacation, so 2023 remote trends will bring new vacation policies, including unlimited vacation policy or paid time off rollover options. Providing transparent communication regarding expectations and feedback on performance will ensure that remote employees know what you expect of them.

Be as flexible as your position, from a personal and career perspective, allows you to be. There’s no reason to implement unnecessary rules that exist solely for micromanagement. Those days are long gone.

3. Increasing Cybersecurity for Online Operations

An increase in cybersecurity measures will happen for remote companies in 2023. This expansion is not only due to the never-ending evolution of cyber crimes but because businesses are updating old legacy systems in favor of cloud-based programs as they revolutionize their remote models.

Here are the steps companies are taking to amp up cybersecurity as they embrace remote culture in the new year.

Training Employees: Remote companies should invest in training their employees on basic security practices and protocols, such as password best practices, recognizing phishing attempts, and data protection measures.
Using Multi-Factor Authentication: Implementing multi-factor authentication will help protect employees’ accounts and data. This authentication is helpful if you have employees who log in from different locations from personal devices.
Utilizing Data Encryption: Encrypting data before it’s sent or stored on remote networks is essential for protecting it from potential threats.
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN): VPNs provide a secure connection for remote access, keeping data safe and secure. Many VPN providers are available now to help remote companies stay safe, and you should be able to pick one easily based on your needs.
Monitoring Network Activity: Network monitoring should happen regularly to help detect suspicious activity and potential intrusions. You should have a security team in place for this purpose, and if you don’t need or have the budget to keep one on staff, you can outsource it.
Implementing Security Policies: Establishing IT security policies provides an overall structure to keep data safe and secure and provides a framework for employees to follow. Continuing to remind all employees that security is everyone’s responsibility will help form a company culture around safety, but management should lead the way.
Regularly Updating Software: Updating all software with the latest security patches can help prevent specific attacks. Regular software updates are essential, so keep in mind that security software is more than just a one-and-done deal and needs consistent attention.

Learn more in this guide covering top cybersecurity considerations when working remotely or from home.

4. Cloud-Based Company Based Management

Cloud-based platforms can provide remote working companies with the tools and resources they need to collaborate effectively, work efficiently, and protect sensitive data, all while minimizing costs and IT infrastructure requirements:

Accessibility: Cloud-based platforms can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, which is essential for remote workers who may not be in the same location as the rest of the team.
Collaboration: Cloud-based platforms often have built-in collaboration tools that make it easy for remote workers to work together on projects in real-time. This can be especially useful for teams that are spread out across different time zones.
Security: Cloud-based platforms often have advanced security measures in place to protect data and prevent unauthorized access. This can be especially important for remote working companies that may be handling sensitive information.
Cost-effectiveness: Cloud-based platforms can be more cost-effective than traditional IT infrastructure because they do not require expensive hardware or software installations. This can be especially beneficial for small businesses that may not have the resources to invest in on-premises IT infrastructure.
Scalability: Cloud-based platforms can be easily scaled up or down to meet changing business needs. This can be particularly useful for remote working companies that may experience fluctuations in staffing levels or workloads.

This is why one of the major remote work trends for 2023 will focus on cloud-based services and how remote and hybrid companies can best leverage them to collaborate completely online.

We already have strong cloud based platforms for most of remote based work needs:

File sharing platforms: Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, MS OneDrive, Sync and more.
Online project managemen tools: Asana, Basecamp, Clickup, Monday, Teamwork, Todoist, Notion, Trello.
Video conferences and online meetings tools: Zoom, Google Meet, MS Teams, GoTo Meeting, Webex, Whereby, Dialpad.
Online global hiring and team management platforms: Deel, Remote, Panther, Boundless, Oyster, amond others.
Online bookkeeping and accounting platforms: Xero, Sage, Freshbooks, Quickbooks, Bench, and more.
Online money transfer and payment solutions: Wise, Skrill, Payoneer, Paypal, Revolut, Venmo.

Neglecting to continue moving toward cloud-based platforms will leave you behind the competition. As we enter 2023, cloud-based is a nonnegotiable component of operating a hybrid or remote company.

5. Diversity in Remote Recruitment

A significant growth trend for remote work in 2023 is the focus on diversity in recruitment. Diversity is essential to creating a robust and talented workforce while increasing creativity, sparking innovation, and strengthening problem-solving skills.

Remote work can benefit diversity in the workplace in a number of ways:

Access to a wider talent pool: By allowing employees to work remotely, companies can hire the best talent from anywhere in the world, rather than being limited to hiring from a specific geographic location. This can lead to a more diverse workforce, as companies can hire individuals from different cultural, educational, and experiential backgrounds.
Increased flexibility: Remote work can provide more flexibility for employees, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who may have caregiving responsibilities or other personal commitments that make it difficult to work traditional office hours. This can make it easier for companies to attract and retain a diverse workforce.
Improved work-life balance: Remote work can help employees achieve a better work-life balance, as it allows them to work from home or from a location that is convenient for them. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who may face challenges in finding childcare or other support services in a traditional office setting.
Greater inclusivity: Remote work can help create a more inclusive workplace by eliminating barriers such as physical accessibility or transportation challenges that may prevent certain individuals from participating fully in the workplace.

Diversity brings together people with different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds, and it also allows businesses to attract and retain talented employees from a broader talent pool. Finally, diversity helps build a culture of respect and inclusion, which increases employee engagement and satisfaction.

Here are a few steps for companies to focus more on diversity for 2023:

Develop a Diversity and Inclusion strategy
Provide diverse representation in recruitment, hiring, and promotion
Actively embrace and support diversity in the workplace
Promote diversity and inclusion in company policies and practices
Foster an inclusive workplace culture through initiatives like diversity councils, employee resource groups, and cultural competency workshops
Monitor progress in advancing workplace diversity
Review diversity efforts regularly to ensure progress
Celebrate diversity and inclusion successes
Offer training on topics related to diversity and inclusion
Encourage an environment of respect for all employees

6. Remote Friendly Benefits and Perks

Remote employers are not getting off easy in 2023 regarding benefits and perks, and why would they want to? A company’s perks and benefits should match the high expectations that most prospective employees and job hunters have set.

Attracting and retaining talent from around the globe is no easy feat, and responding with remote-friendly perks is essential. Remember, working remotely is not the perk in this instance. There’s so much more that companies can offer!

It can be challenging for remote workers to feel connected to a company for which they are employed remotely. Investing in employee benefits and perks such as wellness programs, flexible work hours, office equipment and supplies, and reimbursement for remote work expenses can help remote workers feel seen and valued.

Additionally, these benefits and perks help facilitate a positive work-life balance for remote employees, which can help them stay motivated and productive. Here are a few ideas for remote employee perks and benefits:

Home office set-up: Provide a stipend or corporate discounts on office furniture, tech, and supplies to help remote workers create a comfortable and productive workspace.
Professional development: Offer virtual training, webinars, and coaching to help employees learn new skills.
Mental health support: Provide access to mental health professionals and mental health resources, such as online counseling and support groups.
Employee recognition: Give out e-gift cards or recognition awards to recognize employees for their hard work and achievements.
Remote team retreats: Organize online conferences or retreats to allow employees to connect in person (even if virtually).
Wellness programs: Offer discounts on fitness classes, fitness trackers, healthy meal delivery services, and more to promote employee wellness.

Do you want more? Take a look at this dedicated guide to benefits and perks to offer your remote employees.

7. Remote Health Insurance

One of the most important benefits of all, 2023 will see a rise in health insurance offered to all remote workers, independently of their location, also covering traveling related activities. Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all situation; it differs significantly from location to location. Some countries provide free health insurance, while in others, employees have to pay.

When remote companies offer health insurance, they can utilize remote healthcare insurance providers to add new members to their global insurance plan. It’s an incredibly appealing and relatively recent development in the world of remote work.

There are now many remote work companies and digital nomads focused health insurance solutions, such as:

SafetyWing Travel Medical Insurance: Safety Wing Travel Insurance offers options for digital nomads, travelers, and remote teams. A global medical insurer that covers people from around the world, Safety Wing has gained a positive reputation in the international insurance industry over the years. Learn more about Safety Wing travel medical insurance here.
World Nomads: World Nomads is designed by digital nomads for digital nomads, offers specialist travel insurance for people who work remotely while they travel. Traveling is well understood by those that run Worldnomads, as well as medical and travel support when things go wrong no matter where you are in the world. Take a look at World Nomads insurance here.
International Health Insurance by Allianz Care: Allianz offers expat health insurance for people who are living and working abroad. For professionals that live and work overseas, Allianz care remains dedicated to providing what you need regarding travel and medical insurance. You can take a look at Allianz expat health insurance here.
Global Medical Insurance® by IMG: IMG offers a plan for people who are living or working outside their home country for a year or more: Global Medical Insurance^®. Global Medical Insurance by IMG offers a year-long (extended) worldwide insurance plan for individuals and families. You can Quote and purchase Global Medical Insurance here.
International Health Plan by Integra Global: Integra Global offers an international health plan designed for digital nomads and world travelers and it’s fully portable within the region you’ve chosen (including or excluding the USA and Canada). You can get a free quote here or enroll here.

You can learn more about the best international health insurance plans for remote work companies and digital nomads here.

Knowing the Remote Work Trends for 2023

Staying on top of remote work trends is crucial because they often affect how companies and employees interact and collaborate. Remote work trends include using new technology, new communication methods, and expanding remote teams.

By understanding these trends, companies can ensure they’re taking steps to ensure their employees have the resources and support they need to be successful. Additionally, staying up to date on remote work trends can help a company stay ahead of the competition and remain competitive in the current work environment.

Remote work is here to stay. The trends for 2023 are all about embracing how employers can make a better workplace for those who work for them, all while amping up security and modernizing digitally. In short, 2023 will be a fantastic year for remote work!

Resources to Work Remotely in 2023

If you’re an individual or organization looking to start working remotely or facilitate your remote work journey, take a look at our Website resources:

Do you want to see how remote work has evolved over time? Check out the previous remote work trends editions:

Remote Work Trends to Look for in 2023