Office Camaraderie: Workers also conceded that being in person has benefits, especially when it comes to coworker relationships. Around two-thirds of professionals (65%) said they have more effective relationships with colleagues they’ve met face-to-face versus those they have not. More workers are comfortable collaborating in person (49%) than virtually (31%).
Equal Opportunities: Most managers (82%) who oversee hybrid teams feel that in-office and remote employees have the same opportunities for career advancement. However, some remote workers are concerned; 42% say that they worry about being visible for project opportunities and promotions.
“Our research shows that remote work is here to stay. It’s still a tight, candidate-driven market and it’s important for workers to have the flexibility they need for a better work-life balance,” said Brandi Britton, executive director for Robert Half’s finance and accounting practice group. “In addition, remote work has remained popular because career advancement opportunities exist. ... Workers still feel empowered in today’s job market and aside from salary, remote and flexible work options are still atop their wish list when looking at job opportunities.”
Lots of Pros, Few Cons
Despite the ever-growing offerings of work-from-home opportunities, many in the industry have firm opinions on their work environments. Corey Vandenberg, an LO who works for Michigan-based Lake State Mortgage, but operates out of Lafayette, Indiana, has been working remotely for about five years, a large portion of that due to the fact that he had a one-person office before the pandemic hit.
Vandenberg said the pros are numerous and the cons are few and far between. “You can work anytime. All the equipment is here. You have comfort, security, and no drive time,” he said.