Remote Work and Job Security: A Closer Look

Remote work is no longer a temporary solution brought about by the pandemic. It has become a mainstream option for many companies, with projections suggesting that almost a quarter of all workers will be fully remote by 2025, as stated in a Forbes Advisor report.

Remote Workers and Layoffs

However, an interesting trend has emerged. Remote workers seem to be experiencing higher rates of layoffs compared to their in-house counterparts. This data comes from Live Data Technologies, a firm that specializes in data analysis. In response to this trend, many remote employees have started to adapt their work habits in an attempt to maintain their relevance within their respective teams.

Staying Relevant as a Remote Worker

Take Leslie Dunbar, for example. She is a project manager for a national accounting firm based on the West Coast, but she resides on the East Coast. To ensure she remains an integral part of her team, she has adopted a specific daily ritual. “I work Pacific time hours by my own choice because that is when my boss and the rest of the team work,” Dunbar shared. She was not asked to do this, but she took the initiative to make adjustments that she believed would contribute to her success and that of her team.

Employers' Role in Remote Work

Terri Kurtzberg, a professor of management and global business at Rutgers Business School, agreed with Dunbar's approach. However, she also pointed out that employers need to shoulder some responsibility for effective communication with remote employees. “The out-of-sight, out-of-mind problem is very real. But it’s not realistic to say it didn’t work and just come back to the office,” Kurtzberg said. The challenge for employers is managing work without the usual comforts of the office and ensuring that work is being done to the expected standard.

Remote Work and Career Advancement

Another concern for remote employees is career advancement. According to Live Data Technologies, remote workers were promoted 31% less often than employees working an in-office or hybrid schedule in 2023.

Visibility as a Remote Worker

Michael Dell, CEO of Dell, emphasized this point in an employee memo earlier this year. He stated that remote team members need to understand the trade-offs of working remotely. Career advancement, including applying for new roles within the company, may require the employee to reclassify as a hybrid onsite worker. Rachelle Klozik, a team supervisor and employee at a Michigan IT company, believes that remote employees and supervisors need to engage with co-workers on a personal level to maintain visibility. “I meet with my team online frequently, and we talk about what’s going on in their lives and how I can work with them better,” she said.

Public Perception of Remote Work

Not everyone is a fan of remote work. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey recently criticized those who choose to work remotely, calling them "losers" during a speech promoting the benefits of working downtown in Minneapolis.

Bottom Line

The rise of remote work has brought about new challenges and opportunities. While remote workers may face higher risks of layoffs and slower career advancement, there are strategies they can employ to remain relevant and visible. However, the responsibility should not rest solely on the employees. Employers also have a role to play in ensuring effective communication and fair treatment of remote workers. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.