Remote, hybrid work here to stay

Employment agency Robert Half Canada says remote work is not going away anytime soon.

The company's employment trends report says 85 per cent of workers are interested in working from home or a hybrid model with some office work.

According to the report, the number of job postings listed as remote is on the rise, going from 20.6 per cent in 2022 to 22.9 per cent in January, 2023.

“I think what we're seeing is that people liked the flexibility to work when and where they would like to,” said Derek Wood, regional director of Robert Half Canada, on Wake up with Rob Snow.

In fact, workers are so interested in remote jobs that a quarter of those surveyed by Robert Half Canada said they would be willing to take a pay cut to work from home full-time.

“That's one of those things where it's sort of balancing what your your personal or individual priorities are,” said Wood.

However, workers also recognize the benefits of the office space. Nearly two thirds of workers said they have more effective relationships with colleagues when meeting face-to-face, contributing to the culture of the organization.

Wood said culture is a consideration even for companies that are going fully remote, and they have to make sure that an in-person policy has a purpose.

“So you're coming in to meet people, and I believe that purpose can be as simple as to better collaborate, to better connect with your colleagues.”

Other consideration workers have when looking at remote or hybrid work is whether or not their work will be seen by their bosses, raising concerns of being passed over for promotions.

While nine out of 10 managers say whether employees are working from home or the office doesn't make an impact, Woods suggests keeping an open dialogue about career goals and opportunities.

“That's important whether you're remote or in office,” said Wood. “There are ways to address any concerns that folks may have about missing out on opportunities. You just want to make yourself known and get yourself in those conversations about your career.”

Listen to the full interviews with Derek Wood on Wake Up with Rob Snow below.