It might be hard to believe, but 2022 is just around the corner. In a few short weeks we’ll be ringing in the new year and hopefully, continuing our post-pandemic recovery.
Remote working in 2022 – What can we expect?
The last two years have been incredibly tough on everyone. Since March 2020, we have changed how we communicate, shop, socialise, and connect with the people that we love.
Of course, one of the biggest changes that came about as a result of Covid-19 was the rise in remote working.
In the days before the pandemic, remote working was a wonderful perk savoured by the few. It required a forward-thinking company with a great culture and of course, plentiful resources.
However, when lockdown hit companies were forced to give remote working a try. As a result, we witnessed a decade of progress made in just a few short months.
Companies pivoted their offerings, learned how to collaborate more and adapted to Zoom calls instead of in-person meetings. The results were staggering. In 2020, online careers platform Jobbio saw a 458% increase in remote jobs being posted on their site.
When employees were finally given the opportunity to try remote working they seemed to jump at the chance. In 2020, there were 10 times more searches for remote jobs on Jobbio versus the same period in 2019. So essentially, an increase of 1000%.
This trend has definitely continued in 2021 but what do we predict for the world of remote working in 2022?
Employees will dig their heels in
People have been working from home for almost two years now. During that time, they have demonstrated that they can do their job from the comfort of their own home. Good employees have continued to hit targets, innovate and work well with their team regardless of where they are based from 9-5.
The pandemic has shown us all that people can work remotely and don’t need to be micromanaged. If companies start to bring people back into the office full-time, there will be plenty of employees digging in their heels to demand better conditions.
Hybrid working will play a big part
As a result, we are more likely to see companies adopt a hybrid approach. Lots of companies are installing policies where employees need to come in on specific days or for important meetings and presentations.
This means employees will continue to enjoy a better work-life balance without spending hours on a needless commute. For many, it’s a middle ground that gives people flexibility as well as a chance to enjoy the company culture in person.
Huge offices will be a thing of the past
Huge offices in capital cities are expensive, especially for start-ups and SMEs. With the rise in remote working, many companies have decided that they no longer need to have a physical central hub.
For example, earlier this year Dropbox announced that it was becoming a virtual-first company with remote working being the default. The company will be using their office spaces as Dropbox Studios, a place where employees can drop-in when they want to.
There will be more competition for jobs
The rise of remote working means that people can apply for jobs that are outside their immediate location. Someone in the Scottish Highlands can apply for a tech job in London or someone on Ireland’s west coast can land a gig in Barcelona.
As a result of this change, employers are likely to receive more candidates for roles and applicants will need to go above and beyond in order to be considered. You’re no longer just competing against people in your city. In 2022, you’ll be competing with the entire world.
More diversity
The flip side of that is that hopefully we will see a rise in diversity and inclusion in the workforce in 2022. Organisations can now hire people who are right for the job, regardless of location.
Remote working can also help close the gender pay gap. Childcare responsibilities, which keep some women out of the workforce, may prove less of a barrier when people can work from home.
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