The rise of remote work

More people are choosing to work from home, but it has its ups and downs.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a wave of workers globally transitioning to working remotely from the safety of their homes. This massive shift initially came with the expectation that workers would return to the office once the situation was under control and the level of danger had decreased. However, while most COVID-19 safety protocols have now been removed, remote work continues to be a popular option for workers in Canada.

A 2024 report published by Statistics Canada found that the percentage of Canadians working from home jumped from approximately 7 per cent before the pandemic to 40 per cent by April 2020. By November 2023, around 20 per cent of Canadians were working from home — a significant decrease from its peak at the pandemic’s beginning, but still a huge leap overall.

For many employees, remote work offers substantial advantages over working in person. Lisa S., a virtual customer service representative who works remotely from her home in Burlington, Ont., notes that switching to remote work has positively impacted her work-life balance. “Not having to commute to the office is a lifesaver,” Lisa says. “It used to take me nearly two hours on the bus to work. Now, my 9-5 starts at nine and ends at five. That means I have more time for my personal life, and it also means I have more energy during working hours, so it’s great for both me and my employer.”

Remote work also offers more freedom of location for employees. For people who work in person, choosing a residence close to their workplace is often a top priority. Those who work remotely can instead focus on finding a home that meets their personal needs and goals, such as being close to family members or good schools. Amy C., a remote worker in Vaughan, Ont., shares, I move around a lot, so I love that my job doesn’t tie me down to one place. I also had to move to another province for a bit to take care of a sick family member, and I don’t know what I would have done if I’d had to try to find a new job, too.”

While there are many benefits to remote work, it does have some drawbacks as well. In particular, the lack of in-person contact with other employees can sometimes make communication difficult. However, employees have already begun to adapt to these obstacles. As many people continue to work from home, workers will continue to become better equipped to handle any unique challenges that remote work presents.

The option to work remotely not only allows workers more personal freedom but also makes workplaces more accessible and inclusive for those who face additional barriers in commuting to work or working in person. People work best when their personal needs are met, so a future where Canadians can choose to work remotely, in person or in a hybrid format, according to what best suits them individually, would improve the Ontario workforce.