What Is The Future Of Remote Work?

In today's ever-evolving job market, it's essential to stay up to date with the latest trends and shifts. The workplace is constantly evolving, and as job seekers, we need to adapt to these changes. In this article, we will explore three significant trends that are shaping the future of work: remote jobs, internal mobility, and the importance of taking personal time off.

Remote Jobs: The Wave of the Future?

Remote work has been touted as the future of work for quite some time now. However, recent data suggests that the number of remote job opportunities is decreasing. In May of 2022, 18% of all paid job listings on LinkedIn were for remote work. Fast forward to today, and that number has dropped to a mere 10%. What's even more astonishing is that despite the decline in available remote roles, 47% of all job applicants are still vying for these limited positions.

If you're looking for remote work, fear not! There are still opportunities in professional services, such as accounting, HR, and legal roles. These laptop-based jobs continue to offer remote options, albeit in a more limited capacity. Additionally, hybrid roles, which combine remote and office work, have seen a slight increase in popularity. However, even hybrid roles are starting to trend away in recent months. So, while the remote work trend may be losing some steam, it's important to stay adaptable and explore different avenues in your job search.

Internal Mobility: Your Next Job May Be on the Next Floor

With the job market becoming more competitive, companies are reevaluating their hiring strategies. Instead of constantly seeking external candidates, organizations are focusing on internal mobility. Internal mobility refers to the practice of identifying top-performing employees within the company and offering them opportunities to fill open positions.

Companies that prioritize internal mobility reap several benefits. First and foremost, employees who are given the chance to grow within the company tend to stick around for more extended periods. In fact, companies with high internal mobility have employees who stay 60% longer than those without such programs. By investing in training and development, companies can groom their employees for new roles and create a more loyal and engaged workforce.

What does this mean for you as a job seeker? Even if you're not particularly satisfied with your current company, this trend works in your favor. Organizations that prioritize internal mobility often collaborate with educational institutions to provide training and upskilling opportunities. So, even if you decide to move on from your current role, you can take the skills you've acquired with you to your next job.

The Importance of Taking Personal Time Off

In a world that often glorifies overwork and burnout, taking personal time off (PTO) is more critical than ever. However, many employees find it challenging to disconnect from work and take the much-needed breaks they deserve. The workplace index reveals that a staggering 68% of employees have no plans to take any vacation in the next few months. Additionally, a third of employees admit to feeling guilty when they do take time off.

Employers recognize the importance of employees taking time off to recharge and rejuvenate. Yet, the guilt and reluctance to take PTO persist. Some companies are resorting to creative tactics to encourage their employees to take time off. For example, Goldman Sachs has made three weeks of vacation mandatory for their employees. Similarly, PWC offers a monetary incentive, paying employees $250 for every week of vacation they take.

Unlimited paid time off (PTO) is another trend gaining traction in the workplace. Many companies are adopting this policy, allowing employees to take as much time off as they need without tracking specific days. The underlying belief is that employees perform better when they are well-rested and not burnt out. However, it's worth noting that even with unlimited PTO, employees still need to obtain approval from their managers before taking extended time off.

Equipping Recent Grads with Essential Workplace Skills

As a new generation of workers, Gen Zers are entering the workforce with unique challenges. The pandemic has disrupted their transition from education to the professional world, leaving them with limited exposure to traditional workplace etiquette. Basic skills like email etiquette, meeting conduct, and small talk can feel unfamiliar to these recent grads.

However, there is a silver lining. Gen Zers are investing in themselves by seeking out etiquette classes and other resources to bridge the gap in their skill