Are Remote Jobs in Tech Declining?

There’s been quite a debate lately about the future of remote work. Although millions of tech professionals grew used to remote work during the pandemic, and a sizable percentage of them have expressed a preference for a hybrid schedule (i.e., a few days per week in the office), a rising number of employers want their employees back at their office desks full-time.

The latest Jobs Report from CompTIA breaks down the current state of remote tech job postings, and there’s some good news in there for those who like working five days per week from their living-room couch: the number of remote tech job postings for major positions such as software developer seem relatively stable (even if they’re nowhere near their mid-pandemic heights). Check out the chart:

Some tech giants have been aggressive about cutting back on remote work, most notably Amazon, which recently announced that all employees would need to return to the office (RTO) five days a week. However, such moves can prove unpopular with employees. “RTO blanket policy is crazy, particularly for those of us who were hired remote and FAR from an office. I have kids and family here so unwilling to relocate,” one anonymous Amazon employee said on Blind, which surveys anonymous tech professionals on a wide range of issues. “Even if I didn’t there’s too great a risk I’d be laid off in 6 months anyway so why risk a move?”

For smaller companies desperate to attract tech talent, offering hybrid and remote work can be an enticing perk. But if your company doesn’t offer either option, you may need to negotiate. Here are some tips:

Negotiating Hybrid Work

Hybrid work offers a balanced approach, combining the benefits of in-office and remote work. Here’s a step-by-step guide to negotiating a hybrid work arrangement:

1. Start Small: Begin by proposing a trial period for hybrid work, such as two days per week. This can help alleviate concerns about productivity and team cohesion.
2. Highlight Your Productivity: Present evidence of your productivity and efficiency while working remotely. This could include metrics like completed projects, sales figures, or positive performance reviews.
3. Address Potential Concerns: Anticipate objections from your manager or HR and address them proactively. For instance, if they’re worried about team collaboration, suggest virtual team-building activities or frequent check-ins.
4. Be Flexible: Show willingness to compromise. Offer to adjust your schedule or work hours to accommodate team needs.
5. Leverage Industry Trends: Point to industry trends and successful companies that have adopted hybrid work models. This can strengthen your argument.

Negotiating Remote Work

Negotiating fully remote work can be more challenging, especially if your company has a strict return-to-office policy. However, with a well-crafted strategy, it’s still achievable:

1. Build a Strong Case: Present a compelling argument for remote work, emphasizing your ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with remote teams.
2. Offer Solutions: Propose solutions to potential challenges, such as using project management tools, scheduling regular virtual meetings, or providing clear communication channels.
3. Highlight Your Past Success: If you have a track record of successful remote work, use it to your advantage. Refer to specific projects or periods where you thrived in a remote setting.
4. Be Patient and Persistent: Negotiating remote work may require multiple conversations. Don’t get discouraged if your initial request is denied. Keep the lines of communication open and continue to advocate for your preferred work arrangement.
5. Consider a Trial Period: Propose a trial period for remote work to demonstrate your ability to be productive and maintain work quality.

Good luck!