The pandemic’s onset catapulted millions into remote work, initiating a significant shift in the American work environment. By 2023, 40% of U.S. employees were working remotely at least once a week. Leading this transition were sectors like Information Technology (67%) and Professional and Business Services (49%). Yet, from 2020’s peak, when 35% primarily worked from home, these numbers have steadily decreased to 12.7% in 2023.
Today, a notable 72.5% of businesses report a complete absence of remote workers, a significant rise from 60.1% in 2021. This statistic reflects a diversifying workplace dynamic. Across the U.S., Michigan boasts the highest percentage of remote workers at 27%, while Wyoming sits at the lower end with just 3%. These figures highlight the varying regional adaptations to remote work.
Globally, the workforce predominantly remains on-site (66.5%), with hybrid (25.6%) and fully remote (7.9%) models also prevalent. The advantages of remote work, however, continue to be compelling for both employees and employers. The top benefits for employees include no commute (60%), savings on expenses (44%), and increased flexibility (42%). Employers benefit from 56% fewer employee absences, a 50% reduction in sick days, and a 68% boost in productivity.
In 2023, a staggering 98% of people expressed a preference for remote work, either full-time or part-time. For businesses, this means investing in robust connectivity platforms, advanced cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence-driven scheduling tools. These technologies are key to maintaining effective remote teams and preparing for the future remote workplace landscape.
