March 16, 2021 Exploding Why 2021 Will be Even Bigger and Better for Remote Workers

On this episode of Uprisor, the Future of Work podcast, Topcoder CTO Dave Messinger’s weighs in on Fast Company’s 7 Reasons why 2021 will be even bigger and better for remote workers. Dave and Topcoder VP Clinton Bonner dive deep into their predictions for 2021—discussing the biggest challenges, opportunities and changes for remote workers this year. 

Remote Work Will Become Less Isolating

The COVID-19 pandemic expedited a lot of the pre-existing momentum towards remote work. Many people now say they would prefer to continue to work from home even after the pandemic is over. As the remote work model becomes more permanent and more embedded in traditional work culture, this shift will spark a big push towards finding innovative ways to support remote working, specifically as it relates to collaboration, socialization, and maintaining worker flexibility and freedom.

In a post-vaccine world, Dave envisions a blend of remote work and bringing people back together: “When we talk about all the innovation that’s happened to support remote working, I imagine there will be new ways and new pricing models around co-working or working together with people.”

Salaries Will No Longer Be Based on Where You Live

In the past, workers’ salaries have often been influenced by where a company was based. That’s one reason why tech companies and startups in cities like San Francisco or New York City, where rent and cost of living are quite high, offered such high salaries.

But as remote work becomes the norm, we’ll see more and more companies basing salaries on the actual job and not on where the business or the worker is based. This can benefit both employees and businesses, allowing companies to invest more into their staff as they save on salaries and on the cost of leasing and maintaining office space. According to Dave, “Businesses are going to start paying people for their talent and the contributions versus the cost of where they’re living.”

Companies Will Find Remote Work More Acceptable and Natural

The jump last year to full-time remote work was likely a startling change for many businesses. In 2021, managing remote staff will become far more natural and acceptable for companies and their leaders.

This acceptance and confidence in the new HR reality may mean changes in company structure and processes. For instance, more and more corporations will begin to give remote workers full autonomy over their hours. This may lead to improved productivity and creativity as staff are able to work when they’re at their peak, versus the artificial restraints of a traditional 9-5 workday. 

We always enjoy having Dave on the podcast, especially when it comes to weighing in on the trends shaping technology innovation and the Future of Work. For more enlightening conversations, check out the Uprisor podcast.

“The companies that are focused on doing remote work well are going to let their employees work where they want to work. And I think it just makes a huge difference to not only the culture, but the work they’re going to be able to get done.” – Dave Messinger

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