The days of mandatory stay-at-home orders are fortunately behind us. One element that has persisted, however, is remote work.

During the pandemic, people found that working from home offered benefits like increased work/life balance, while companies realized that they were saving on overhead bills. The environment even benefitted, with decreased gas emissions and lower paper usage.

Remote work has not only changed how people do their jobs, but also where they choose to live. Many find relocation a tempting prospect, especially if they want to leave large, expensive cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Remote work seems to be here to stay, and as a full-service moving company, Alex Moving & Storage is interested to see the ways in which it will continue to influence moving trends.

The Why Behind Remote Work for Employees and Employers

Before the age of telecommuting, it sounded like a dream to wake up and get straight to work while still wearing your pajamas. Now, this is becoming increasingly common, and remote workers seem to want it to continue, with 57% reporting that they would search for a new job should their employers require that workers return to the office full-time. The benefits of remote work for employees include:

  • A Work/Life Balance Upgrade: 71% of remote employees report that working from home has improved their work/life balance. It is important to note, however, that 12% say that it has done the opposite and harmed their work/life balance, possibly because working from home can blur the lines between work and life.
  • Flexibility: The lack of a commute leaves more time for family and friends, as well as hobbies. Remote work also makes it easier to step out for errands or complete household chores in between work duties.

In order for employees to reap the benefits of working from home, their companies must permit telecommuting. Fortunately, remote work offers advantages for employers as well, such as:

  • Overhead Savings: When companies choose to downsize their office space, they save on the cost of rent and utilities. If you are planning a commercial move, Alex Moving & Storage would love to help.
  • Employee Attraction and Retention: Companies that have work -from-home options show job seekers that they prioritize work/life balance. They are also more likely to retain the talent they already have.

Notable Data About Remote Work and Relocation

The following statistics show that both employers and employees have favorable views of remote work:

  • 16% of companies operate mostly remote and if more follow suit, there will be an even greater population of remote workers free to move to more desirable locations.
  • 98% of employees want the option to work remotely at least part of the time.
  • Data suggests that companies can save $11k per employee on expenses like utilities when operating remotely. There is also data to suggest that going remote can have a positive impact on employee earnings, with some studies showing that, on average, remote employees earn $19k more than their in-office counterparts.

In regard to moving patterns, we have already seen that:

  • Large cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and New York are experiencing something of an exodus, with remote workers opting to relocate to more affordable locations.
  • One in ten people relocated during the pandemic because of remote work options. As remote opportunities increase in a post-pandemic future, these numbers may grow.

How Alex Moving & Storage Can Help with Your Relocation

If you are relocating due to remote work, Alex Moving & Storage is eager to help you with your move. We offer packing and storage services as well. Contact us for a free quote.