Over the past 10 years, remote work has increased in popularity. The most dramatic increase may have occurred at the start of the pandemic, but remote work has steadily been on the rise during the last decade. Since 2005, the amount of work from home employees has increased by 140%.
What has enabled the shift from in-person to remote or hybrid work? Modern technology has created a society that can connect online as easily as in person. Compared to 2011 when only 35% of Americans had a smartphone, over 80% of Americans have smartphones today. Employees can check their email, take calls, and do other mobile work tasks from virtually anywhere. The advancements in the internet, including 5G, make it easy to connect with your teams and complete projects away from the office. Cybersecurity threats may have contributed to hesitation towards remote work, but the increase in cybersecurity technology makes it safer than ever to access work files from home or on the go! Collaboration platforms help create that “water cooler” environment and allow teams to communicate effectively while working on projects together. Video and audio chat platforms can connect teams across the state or worldwide.
While technology creates a society conducive for remote work, some industries are welcoming this change more than others. Here are the 7 industries where remote work is most common:

1. Information Technology (IT)

It makes sense that if your job only requires a working laptop and internet connection, remote work pairs perfectly! Those who work in security, website development, software engineering, app development, and database administration positions are easily able to work from home. Many IT companies support remote work because they are able to pull talent from anywhere in the world and save money on office space costs.

1. Digital Marketing

With the rise in online storefronts, businesses can succeed without a physical location for customers. Digital marketers have the expertise needed to promote these companies online. Creative minds can find content marketing, graphic design, blog writing, social media management, and website design jobs that allow them to work from home or on the go!

1. Healthcare

While it may seem unlikely to work from home in the healthcare industry, it is important to note that there are many healthcare jobs aside from surgeons, doctors, nurses, etc. that are administrative and can be done remotely. For jobs that deal with insurance claims, scheduling or billing, remote or hybrid work is a popular option. Allowing non-essential healthcare employees to work from home also helped reduce the spread of COVID-19.

1. Customer Service

Since the beginning of the pandemic, a majority of shopping has shifted online. Businesses are providing support with the online ordering process and return process electronically. Customer service employees are in demand and since their service is typically provided over the phone or computer, employees can work remotely.
These industries that are embracing remote workers are also reaping a number of benefits. Companies that support remote work experience a 25% lower turnover rate than those that don’t. Employers also save money on office space and related costs. In 2015, remote work saved employers over 40 billion dollars since they didn’t have the cost of office space, utilities, and internet. Recruiters also find that they are able to find high-quality talent when offering work-from-home positions.
There is no question that remote work can benefit both employees and employers. If you are considering asking your employer to allow you to work remotely, check out our previous post (you may even convince your boss to pay your coworking membership fees). If you are already a remote worker, we invite you to visit Paradigm Workhub and experience the freedom a coworking space can give you- https://www.paradigmworkhub.com/.