The job landscape is changing significantly, especially in digital firms. It’s not as sudden as some may believe that the trend toward remote work, which gained significant traction in 2020, is happening. According to data from the ONS cited by Quotezone, just 4.7% of UK employees worked from home prior to the pandemic. By 2023, that number had skyrocketed to 44%, with 16% of these workers doing so permanently. This piece explores the causes of the worldwide shift to remote labor and why it’s still so common in digital agencies.
Remote working in digital agencies
Employees in the technology sector are increasingly choosing to work remotely, driven by both personal preferences and the availability of remote work options. Technological developments like cloud computing and video conferencing, which are now essential to the workings of in-house and agency-based marketing teams, have made this change possible.
Globally, this trend is gaining traction. Marketing Week reports that 58.8% of marketers have adopted a hybrid approach, with 17.3% enjoying full flexibility. Notably, 5.6% of SMEs have shuttered their physical offices entirely, highlighting the widespread acceptance of remote work, particularly within the digital agency sector.
Agencies that have adopted remote working
With a 100% remote working ratio, The Media Image, a top digital marketing business with locations in the US, UK, and South Africa, is a prime example of how to successfully adopt remote work. Head of Outreach Sophie Watson highlights the contentment and productivity of their remote workforce by stressing the benefits of global teamwork, good communication, and client pleasure.
Benefits of remote working
Better work-life balance
Remote work offers employees the opportunity to achieve a more balanced lifestyle, free from the constraints of traditional office environments. This flexibility can significantly reduce commute times, which, according to Statista, average 27 minutes.
More opportunities
For employers and employees alike, remote working opens up a world of possibilities. Digital agencies gain access to a global talent pool, while individuals can secure employment regardless of their geographical location. This approach allows for more strategic hiring decisions, unhindered by the limitations of local recruitment.
Big savings
Transitioning to remote work can lead to substantial savings for businesses, with reduced overheads such as office leases. For employees, the elimination of daily commute costs, which according to National Express, average £17.23 per day in the UK, represents significant financial relief.
Future of work
The integration of AI and other technological advancements into marketing practices heralds an exciting era for the digital workplace. With 48% of UK workers indicating a readiness to leave their jobs for lack of flexibility, according to Raconteur, the emphasis is on employers to accommodate the demand for a more adaptable work environment.
Supporting data and statistics
Research by Buffer in 2022 highlights the importance of flexibility in work arrangements, with 67% of respondents citing time management flexibility as crucial. Future Forum data further supports this, indicating that employees with full flexibility report 29% higher productivity and a 53% greater ability to focus.
Is remote working just a trend?
Four years after the pandemic, data trends show that remote work is still prevalent, indicating that it is more than just a fad. The need for flexible work arrangements has emerged as a critical element for numerous workers, highlighting the transition towards a more dynamic and self-governing work environment.
Employers, who can now access a larger talent pool, and employees, who want to better balance work and life, will find that remote working is a paradigm shift. The move toward remote work has opened up new opportunities despite certain drawbacks, portending a time when career satisfaction and personal freedom will coexist.
