Remote Working is Here to Stay

CHANGING PARADIGMS

Being allowed to work from home occasionally used to be one of the perks of more 'progressive' employers. Covid has created a seismic historic shift in the way we work, which for many will become the norm.

By 2025, an estimated 70% of the workforce will be working remotely at least five days a month. While 2020 may be considered the year of remote work, it is just the beginning as we see the trend continuing into 2022.

WORKING HARD... HARDLY WORKING?

Several studies over the past few months show productivity while working remotely from home is better than working in an office setting. On average, those who work from home spend 10 minutes less a day being unproductive, work one more day a week per month, and are 47% more productive overall. In a workweek, those who work at home are more consistent, work more hours, and get more done!

The productivity metric is proving that remote work is working - increasingly the focus is being put on work done instead of hours worked, as it should be. 

THE RISE OF DIGITAL NOMADISM

Fast forward to the present day and digital nomadism has become a reality and a way of life. Remote working and its impact on travel is starting to grow significantly. 23% of US respondents in Skift.com's most recent survey in September said they had taken extended trips of more than 10 days as a result of working remotely.

Giants like Facebook, Twitter, Square and Zillow have allowed their employees to work remotely permanently. With more companies joining the flock, one can expect to see more profound changes happening to travel from this remote work trend.

WFH FATIGUE... WTH?!

Working in the same place day in and day out can be stressful because the line between one’s personal and professional lives is blurred. As many grow tired of working from their homes, a new remote work option is trending: work-from-hotel (or holiday)!

The hospitality industry has been quick to jump on this trend with hotels and startups now offering features such as “office for a day” workspaces and packages that combine remote work with travel, fitness and a range of activities, from yoga to language classes for remote workers living abroad. Some countries are even offering digital nomad visas as a way of boosting tourism. 

There's no doubt we will continue to see further innovative approaches in the future!

Are you a digital nomad? Check out our selection of getaways for remote workers across South Africa, offering excellent connectivity in beautiful settings.  Alternatively, if you are wanting to get away from it all, take a look at our off-the-grid destinations.