By Sarah Kiely Lavelle
2020 marked a global shift for remote working which saw employers forced into offering a more flexible format for workers to perform their everyday tasks. Kitchen tables became makeshift desks, and Zoom revolutionized how we met with clients and co-workers.
Fast forward to now, and the popularity of remote working is clear with data from The Bureau of Labour Statistics estimating that around 27% of US workers are remote.
Delaware, Utah, and Maryland topped the polls when it comes to the best states to work remotely, taking into account work environment, internet connectivity, and living conditions.
Pros and cons
Many workers report a better work-life balance by removing the time and financial burden of traveling to their place of work. According to a study on full-time remote workers, it is estimated that 32 days a year of free time are accrued by cutting the commute compared to their in-person peers.
Employers may also reap rewards when it comes to attracting diverse talent for hiring by tapping into a global workforce.
Additionally, remote working has been transformational when it comes to both retaining women and empowering them to reenter the workforce after starting a family.
Flexibility from an employer is at the top of the list for women and is cited as the number one reason when leaving a job. Perhaps adopting a more holistic approach to workplace location could cultivate a more equitable workforce for all.
However, remote work is not without its pitfalls, particularly for roles that require in-person connection and quick decision-making.
It's also worth noting that there are numerous risk considerations for employers when it comes to wage and hour compliance and tax obligations, all bound by the jurisdiction in which staff operate, which may have contributed to the rise of the return to office trend seen in 2023.
Navigating RTO mandates
With eight in 10 companies set to track office attendance in 2024, it is vital staff know their rights when faced with pressure to return to the office, and to understand your own state's Local Protections, as these can differ depending on the governance of the location.
Research showed that high-performing workers were 16% less inclined to remain in their jobs when their employers rolled out strict return-to-office mandates.
It's evident that a hard-line approach by companies is not the best strategy for attracting staff back to the office and will remain a contentious area of interest for 2024.
If remote working remains a priority for you when it comes to career progression and quality of life, the Employee Benefit News Job Board is an ideal resource for your job search.
Discover three standout opportunities all offering remote and flexible options below.
Director HR (Risk), Comerica Bank, Dallas, USA
A key leadership opportunity has emerged for an experienced Director of Human Resources (Risk) to join the bank's HR department. You will be responsible for creating, implementing, and maintaining a staffing adequacy model for risk liaison positions across the organization. Enhancing and managing HR's risk framework and controls including compliance with Dodd Frank, and acting as the single point of contact for all HR regulatory responses are key responsibilities for this position. The primary location for this role is flexible and qualified applicants can apply here.
Senior HR ServiceNow Architect (Remote), ICF, Reston, USA
Global advisory and technology services provider, ICF is seeking a Senior ServiceNow Architect to support its clients in integrating HR systems onto the ServiceNow platform. Supported by an agile team framework, you'll contribute to detailed stories with product owners and ICF's technology team. You will hold a Bachelor's in computer science, engineering, or a related field and a minimum of five years' implementing or architecting ServiceNow solutions. The role can be fully remote and performed anywhere within the U.S., as this work is for a federal contract. Additional information can be found here.
Human Resources Manager, Materion Advanced Chemicals Inc, Milwaukee
Materion's Milwaukee, WI facility is seeking a Human Resources Manager who can manage high impact HR functions in a high growth, expanding facility across 130 employees, including staffing, performance management, talent development, positive employee relations, as well as helping to create an inclusive environment where all employees can do their best work. You'll report to the Regional HR Director and work closely with the leadership team and workforce, as well as HR colleagues across the organization. Full job spec and application are here.
For thousands more opportunities, visit the Employee Benefit News Jobs Board today
