Firstly, what are the benefits of a remote work model?
The first benefit is flexibility and work-life balance. Remote work has empowered employees to shift their work and personal schedules to suit their unique lifestyles. This is not only beneficial to the mental (and physical) health of individuals, but studies have also shown that this tends to improve job satisfaction and even work productivity. A study by Owl Labs in 2024 found that remote workers reported being 22% happier than their in-office counterparts and were 13% more productive.
In addition, it is cheaper. In cases where companies rent office space, working remotely can reduce, and even eliminate, this need. So, when you consider the cost of space, electricity, water and more, remote work is far better for the overall bottom line. Global Workplace Analytics estimated that businesses could save $11,000 per employee annually by allowing remote work half the time.
Furthermore, remote work means the access to talent becomes global. Companies can hire the best talent from anywhere in the world because they are no longer held back by geographical constraints.
Remote work also has its drawbacks
A major drawback of a 100% remote working model is its collaboration challenges. It can prove difficult to work together without physical proximity.
Although collaboration tools, like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams have become indispensable in the modern workplace, there is a certain lack of the “human touch”. As a result, employees can tend to feel isolated and potentially demotivated. To add to this, skill-building and mentorship are more difficult to achieve in a virtual environment. Also, while remote work affords employees more freedom to dictate their schedules, it can blur the lines between work and home life, and some might struggle when it comes to striking a healthy balance.
Remote work also has its drawbacks
According to a 2023 Gallup survey, “94% of respondents in remote-capable jobs say they’d prefer to work hybrid or remote in the future.” We can assume that Hybrid working is set to continue gaining momentum in 2025, where employees split their time between home and the office. Striking this balance offers the benefits of working remotely while also fostering in-person collaboration.
This is good news for employees and businesses alike as businesses with hybrid working strategies are set to attract top talent as mandatory Return to Office (RTO) policies have caused them to seek opportunities elsewhere. In the same 2023 Gallup survey, “Six in ten fully remote employees said they’d be ‘extremely likely to change companies’ if not offered long-term remote work options.”
As an employee or an employer, where do you stand on the topic? Here is some additional reading to help you make an informed decision:
Five different types of hybrid work models
Review this article by officernd.com to learn more about these models:
- Mandatory office with a few flex days
- Office-first with optional remote work
- Hybrid (or 50/50 split)
- Remote-first with optional office visits
- Only from home with few onsite days
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