What Is Remote Work? Your 2026 Guide

Key takeaways

Remote work refers to jobs that you can perform virtually, such as research, data analytics, or writing. These opportunities are becoming more common. 

• The World Economic Forum anticipates that remote work jobs will reach 90 million worldwide, growing by 25 percent through 2030 [1]. 

• Types of remote work include fully remote and options that allow a combination of in-office and remote work, often called hybrid or flexible work arrangements.

• You can work remotely as a consultant or other roles like accountant or web designer. Job search websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor offer a starting point for your search. 

Learn more about remote work, including what it means, typical types of remote jobs, and the pros and cons you might encounter. Afterward, build high-income skills, like AI, with the Google AI Professional Certificate.

What is remote work?

Working remotely means performing a full-time job at home or from another location outside a company's office. It's often possible to work remotely if you're a knowledge worker—someone who is paid to think for a living or apply their expertise to address different business problems. This can include copywriting, software development, project management, data analysis, graphic design, and more. It's also increasingly possible to find remote customer service jobs and remote sales jobs.

Because remote work is work that doesn't need to happen in a physical environment, it rules out roles that take place largely in person, like delivery driving, construction workers, and store sales assistants. That said, even in-person roles, such as health care services and therapy have, in some cases, moved online.

The rise of remote work

Remote work became popular at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with over a third of US businesses increasing teleworking across various sectors [2]. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites a 34.5 percent increase in teleworking in 2021 across the private sector, with the World Economic Forum estimating that remote work jobs will grow by 25 percent from 2024 through 2030, bringing the total to more than 90 million roles [2, 1]. 

4 types of remote work explained

There are different types of remote work. Let's review each one.

1. Fully remote

In the US, fully remote work—or location-bound remote work—means that you can work virtually in the state where you reside. This may include working from home, a co-working space, or a cafe. While you may be able to take short trips and work from different geographic locations, for tax purposes your work must primarily be completed in your state. Many companies have embraced a fully remote working environment as an option, including GitLab, Shopify, and Ashby.

2. Work from anywhere

A work from anywhere (WFA) role differs from a fully remote role in that there are no geographic limits to where you can perform your work. This gives you more geographic freedom, allowing you to work from different countries as a digital nomad. However, even WFA roles often require a reliable internet connection and a commitment to overlapping with your team's core working hours for meetings.

3. Hybrid

Hybrid work allows you to work remotely one or two days a week, while working in the office the remaining workdays. This approach balances the benefits of working remotely with the benefits of being in an office environment.

4. Flexible work

Flexible work is possible whether you work remotely, in an office environment, or as part of a hybrid work arrangement. It is an agreement between you and your employer that allows you to work on your own schedule by clocking a set number of hours a week, however you like. This allows you to factor in work-life balance, family commitments, and the times you are most productive. 

What are the benefits of remote work?

Working remotely comes with benefits that allow you more freedom and, in some cases, the ability to plan your own schedule. Advantages include:

• Increased productivity: Remote workers are more productive. According to Owl Labs, 69 percent of managers believe their teams are more productive from home than in the office [3].

• No commute: Not commuting to the office frees up time for personal use and reduces transportation costs.

• Easier recruitment: While virtual recruitment takes some time to acclimate to, the benefits are clear now that it’s here. Not having to recruit from a specific location widens the net, meaning more diverse talent can apply for positions, creating a bigger pool for recruiters. 

• Work-life balance: The freedom of remote working means you can plan your schedule, work from wherever you like, and have more personal free time. 

What are some disadvantages of remote work?

While you’ll find many advantages to remote work, it does come with some challenges, often depending on the nature of the work:

• Decreased productivity: While studies show increased productivity for remote workers, other cases have reported the opposite. Remote work can lead to less structure, more time spent coordinating team meetings, fewer one-on-one chats with supervisors, and fewer networking opportunities. As uninterrupted work hours shrink, productivity can decline with them. 

• Lack of team spirit: Working remotely can be lonely. While it’s possible to have virtual meetings, those friendly exchanges in the office, lunch breaks together, and quick pleasantries are missing when you don’t meet your team face to face. This can lead to feelings of isolation, and it’s important to intentionally connect with colleagues virtually to foster meaningful relationships. 

• Micromanagement: Some see benefits in terms of work-life balance and the freedom to set schedules, but these are not always seen as benefits. For some, working remotely can mean more intense input from management and instances of micromanagement. 

• Risk of technology failures: Working remotely means you depend on certain equipment and a good internet connection. If you need better connectivity or have other technological issues at home, this could affect your productivity and quality of work. 

Where can I find remote jobs?

You can search for remote and hybrid employment on many job boards, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Hiring.cafe, Glassdoor, and freelance websites like Upwork. For example, on LinkedIn, type in a job title and then use the platform's filters to narrow by remote opportunities. Many times, you can also use the keyword "remote" when searching for job titles to bring up relevant roles.

Some job boards specialize in remote work and can be a good way to focus your search. These sites include:

• FlexJobs

• Outsourcey

• We Work Remotely

• Remote.co

• Hubstaff

• SkipTheDrive

• Dribbble

Is remote work right for me?

Remote work has some great benefits, but it isn’t for everybody. Some professionals prefer the social atmosphere of in-person work or the visibility it offers for career advancement.

Remote work can be a strong choice for you if you are autonomous, a self-starter, prefer the focus this working style typically offers, and prefer greater flexibility when it comes to when and how you work. Still, it’s also important to consider how your working environment will impact your ability to work. Creating a workspace without distractions, excellent internet access, a comfortable chair and desk space, good lighting, and the necessary equipment is essential. 

Explore free resources for your remote work journey

Stay ahead of all the latest trends, technologies, and emerging professions with Career Chat, our weekly LinkedIn newsletter. Or, check out the following: 

• Level up your career planning: Find Your Career Track

• Watch a YouTube video: Escape the Commute: 10 Work-from-Home Jobs

• Hear from an expert: Reimagining Work and Learning with AI: Expert Insights from Dr. Jules White

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