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, consider enrolling in the Professional Skills for the Workplace Specialization from UC Davis. Throughout this four-course series, you'll have an opportunity to build in-demand skills for workplaces of all types, including emotional and social intelligence, critical thinking, growth mindset, and adaptability and resilience.

What is the meaning of remote working?

Working remotely means working at home or from another location outside a company's usual place of business. Since the pandemic, remote employment has become the norm for many, with co-working spaces, home offices, and hot desking options available. 

What is remote work? A look at the past and the future

Remote work became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, 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]. 

What is hybrid remote work? Types of remote work explained

Given that remote work has become so widespread, the types of remote work vary significantly from web design and copywriting to running full online businesses. Remote work is generally anything that can take place in a virtual workplace. It includes work that doesn't need to happen in a physical environment, such as writing, research, data analytics, and talking on the phone. 

This 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. 

When it comes to remote work, you have options. You may be able to work fully remotely, have flexibility, or partake in a hybrid working arrangement.

Fully remote work environment

Working fully remotely means that you have the freedom to work wherever you like. This may include at home, in a co-working space, a serviced office, a cafe, or even a travel destination. As long as you station yourself at a place that makes it possible to do your job, your workspace could be anywhere. Many companies have embraced a fully remote working environment as an option, including GitLab, Shopify, and Hubstaff.

Hybrid work environment

As returning to the office following the pandemic became an option, many companies offered staff a hybrid work model. This gives employees the combined benefits of working from home for part of the week and having the benefits of the office environment for the other part.

Consider hybrid work to benefit from the advantages of working at home and in the office. This could help support your mental health and productivity, reduce office space costs, and promote work-life balance.

Flexible work environment

Flexible working 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. 

Read more: 5 High-Paying Entry-Level Remote Jobs (and How to Apply)

Advantages 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. 

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. 

Types of jobs that can work remotely

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many jobs have moved to remote working, even those that didn’t previously seem possible. Some of the most common roles and their salaries include:

- Accountant: $93,000

- Copywriter: $85,000

- Editor: $86,000

- Web designer: $85,000

- Software developer: $121,000

- Tutor: $102,000

- Customer service representative: $47,000

- Project manager: $105,000

- Recruiter: $113,000

- Sales representative: $124,000

- Data analyst: $93,000

- Consultant: $127,000

* All salaries sourced in December 2025 and are based on Glassdoor’s total median salary, which includes additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

Where can I find jobs that offer a remote workplace arrangement?

Remote work is becoming so widespread that you can search for remote and hybrid employment on most job boards, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and freelance websites like Upwork. 

You can also find government departments that hire remote workers, including:

• US Census Bureau

• US Department of Transportation

• US Department of Defense 

Some job boards specialize in remote work and are a good starting point, as they have a wide range of options. Websites to start your remote job search include:

• FlexJobs

• Outsourcey

• We Work Remotely

• Remote.co

• Hubstaff

• SkipTheDrive

• Dribbble

Is remote work right for me?

Now that you know what remote work is, you can assess whether it is right for you. Remote work has some great benefits, but it isn’t for everybody. It could be right for you if you are autonomous, adaptable, enjoy working on your own schedule, and like to work alone. If you like to travel or want to work from home, it gives you the flexibility to do so and can aid you in achieving a positive work-life balance. 

Working remotely has some very positive benefits regarding the freedom to work where you choose. 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

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses from over 350 leading companies and universities.

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