In today’s fast-paced digital world, remote work isn’t just a fleeting trend but getting seriously popular across the board. Technological advancements and lifestyle changes have made working from home an attractive option, especially for those who are early in their careers.
The flexibility and ease of access that remote work offers have truly opened up opportunities for people to be productive from practically anywhere.
Initially, the industrial revolution in the 18th to 19th centuries was what originally pulled people away from working at home. It involved a massive migration from the countryside into cities, forcing people to be physically present in factories to operate equipment and follow fixed schedules.
This factory model centralized everything, drawing a clear separation between our homes and our workplaces that hadn't existed before.
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However, by the end of the 20th century, this was changing. As populations in urban areas grew, cities became denser and more expensive to live in, travel became more difficult and expensive, and people began to care about the environmental impact of transportation.
To address these issues, companies began experimenting with remote options, called telecommuting. This trend gained real traction when in the 1990s, the US government began adopting flexible work arrangements for several of its federal agencies.
A New Normal Since Pandemic
Back in March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. In response to the threat of this disease, many countries around the world began implementing significant lockdowns.
Within days, offices worldwide shut down. Companies had zero time to prep their employees for the massive, indefinite shift to working from home. Most people thought these shutdowns would only last a couple of months. But years later, millions of people were still logging on remotely.
The pandemic forced a huge portion of the global workforce to try out remote work on an unprecedented scale, which led to significant changes over 12 months.
The boundaries between work and personal life have blurred. Even working from the kitchen table has become commonplace. For parents, balancing virtual schooling with work deadlines has become a daily challenge.
As time goes by, society began to adapt. The popularity of remote work among both staff and companies has seen a major increase.
Today, many industries are offering great opportunities for freelancers or remote workers in areas like digital marketing, graphic design, customer service, etc. With tons of online courses and training available, it's easier than ever for beginners to boost their skills without even having to leave the house.
Redefining Life Over Work
Millennials and Generation Z are the two largest generations in the workforce, so it's no surprise that businesses have significantly adapted to their way of working.
Growing up in an era of dynamic technology, coupled with the pressures of life due to the pandemic, has given Millennials and Gen Z their own authentic mindsets.
As digital natives, they bring a natural curiosity about technology to the job, along with a constant desire to learn and grow. This often shows up in their preference for remote work, where they can use tech to solve problems and learn from peers on digital platforms.
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Flexibility is also a key reason why this generation prefers remote work, as they can choose their own work hours to suit their productive rhythm, whether morning, afternoon, or even evening. This allows them to carry out their work without sacrificing time for hobbies, family, or other activities that are important to them.
This time balance is especially critical for those who became parent, as they prioritize being fully present in their children's education.
Working from home also cuts down on the time and energy wasted on a daily commute. They save money, too, avoiding costs like transportation, eating out, and other expenses that usually pop up when you work in an office.
Millennials and Gen Z also can work for companies all over the world without having to relocate. This opens up broader career opportunities and allows them to gain international work experience.
Remote working isn't just a trend, but a lifestyle that aligns with their values and needs. However, it's important to remember that remote working isn't suitable for all types of jobs. The key to remote working is identifying the type of job.
References:
PYN. (n.d). How Different Generations Feel About Remote Work. https://www-pynhq-com.translate.goog/blog/how-different-generations-feel-about-remote-work/?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=id&_x_tr_hl=id&_x_tr_pto=tc&_x_tr_hist=true
People Shift. (2019). The History of Remote Working: Why People Work at Home. https://people--shift-com.translate.goog/articles/a-brief-history-of-remote-working/?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=id&_x_tr_hl=id&_x_tr_pto=tc
