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Remote work statistics don’t lie — the office isn’t extinct, but it’s definitely no longer the default. As more employees go remote or hybrid, organizations are left asking key questions: Is anyone actually more productive at home? Does flexibility really boost engagement? And what does this all mean for business results?
The good news? The data is promising, and so are the possibilities. With the right strategies, remote work doesn’t just function. It drives happier teams, stronger cultures, and real outcomes.
Ready to see what’s next? These remote work statistics cut through the noise and highlight what leaders need to know now.
The state of remote work
1. 27% of full-time employees globally work remotely, while another 52% work in hybrid roles
Turns out, the office isn’t dead — it’s just downsized. Insights from Gallup tell us that nearly 3 in 10 employees are fully remote, and over half work hybrid. Compared to pre-2020 norms, that’s a real shift. Flexibility is no longer an experiment — it’s a business reality. The smartest organizations are designing for it, not dodging it.
2. The U.S. will see 36.2 million remote workers by 2025 — a 417% increase from pre-pandemic levels
That’s not a typo. Remote work in the U.S. is set to quadruple from where it was pre-pandemic, according to Barrons. It’s official: this isn’t just a phase. Even if your team isn’t fully remote, your talent pool likely is. The future of work is flexible — and fiercely competitive.
3. 23% of employees cite work flexibility as their reason to stay or leave their current job
Flexibility isn’t a perk anymore — it’s a dealbreaker. Nearly 25% of employees say flexibility determines whether they stick around or start polishing their resumes, based on Achievers’ 2024 Engagement and Retention Report. The message is clear: if you want to keep top talent, meet them where (and how) they want to work.
4. 76% of employees say they’d consider quitting if remote flexibility was taken away
For a lot of employees, remote flexibility is a dealbreaker. A FlexJobs survey tells us that three out of four employees would walk if it disappeared. If that stat makes you sweat, you’re not alone. The message is clear: listen to your people, build in flexibility, and don’t treat remote work like a temporary glitch.
Productivity, performance, and business outcomes
5. Employees who are onsite by choice are 33% more likely to say they received training on proactivity
According to insights from Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI), when people choose to be in the office, they’re also more likely to get nudged toward action. Proactivity training helps turn good ideas into real outcomes, fast. It’s a good reminder: growth isn’t just about showing up — it’s about knowing what to do once you get there.
6. 30% of employees who work remotely at least a few times per month are able to complete more work in less time
Remote work isn’t just working — it’s working smarter. A ConnectSolutions survey found that 77% of part-time remote workers say they’re more productive, with 30% getting more done in less time and 24% doing more in the same workday. Flexibility helps people find their rhythm, and when they do, the results speak for themselves.
7. Nearly 20% of employees say flexibility, including remote work options, drives them to perform at a high level in their current role
Flexibility is a must for top performance. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Global Human Capital Trends Report, nearly 20% of employees say remote work options are a key factor in how well they perform. When employees feel empowered to work in ways that fit their lives, they’re more engaged, motivated, and productive. It’s a simple equation: flexibility equals better results, and businesses are reaping the rewards.
8. 84% of employees say they feel more productive in a hybrid or remote work setting
It’s clear — remote and hybrid work are productivity powerhouses. According to a 2024 Zoom survey, 84% of employees report feeling more productive when working remotely or in a hybrid model. Whether it’s fewer distractions or the comfort of home, remote work is proving to be a productivity booster. Turns out, the office coffee machine isn’t the only thing that can spark energy and focus.
9. 78% of managers say their remote teams are exceeding performance goals
It turns out the people closest to the work have a very different view than those pushing for RTO mandates. According to insights from Crossover, 78% of managers say their remote teams aren’t just keeping up — they’re outperforming. When trust replaces presenteeism and outcomes matter more than office hours, teams rise to the occasion.
Engagement, recognition, and remote culture
10. 38% of remote employees feel engaged, compared to just 19% of in-office workers
Twice as many remote employees feel engaged at work compared to their in-office peers, according to Gallup’s State of the Global Workforce Report. The takeaway? Autonomy and flexibility aren’t perks — they’re engagement drivers. If you’re chasing higher performance, start with where (and how) people work best.
11. Employees who are remote by policy are 21% more likely than average to say they’ve received training on recognition and positive reinforcement
Recognition shouldn’t stop at the office door, or VPN login. AWI data tells us that remote teams thrive when positive reinforcement is part of the daily rhythm. Training remote employees to recognize each other helps build a culture where appreciation travels well — digitally and emotionally.
12. 29% of fully remote workers are engaged, compared to 20% of on-site employees.
Remote work isn’t just about location — it’s about engagement. According to Gallup’s 2024 study, 29% of fully remote workers are engaged, surpassing the 20% engagement rate of their on-site counterparts. When employees have the flexibility to work where they thrive, engagement naturally follows.
13. Employees who are remote by policy are 33% more likely than average to recommend their manager to others
You don’t need face time to be a great manager — and the numbers back it up. AWI insights show that remote employees are 33% more likely than average to recommend their managers. It’s a good reminder: strong leadership isn’t about being in the same room — it’s about being consistent, clear, and supportive, even through a screen.
14. 77% of remote workers maintain or exceed their office-based productivity levels
Remote work isn’t just about avoiding the commute — it’s about getting more done too. According to a 2023 Statistics Canada Report, 77% of remote workers are just as productive (or even more) than their office-based peers. With fewer distractions and the power of proper tools, remote work is proving it can deliver results that go beyond the office walls.
Burnout, feedback, and leadership
15. 86% of full-time remote workers report experiencing burnout
Remote work means flexibility, but it can also blur the lines between home and work life. In fact, insights from Flair HR report 86% of full-time remote workers report feeling burned out. The freedom to work from anywhere is great — until it feels like you never leave the office. It’s a reminder that flexibility needs to come with built-in boundaries.
16. Employees who are hybrid by choice are 24% more likely to say their manager supports their personal and professional development goals
Managers who support growth goals — without micromanaging the “where” — are onto something. According to AWI, when hybrid-by-choice employees feel championed, they’re more likely to stay engaged, stick around, and stretch into their next role. Support doesn’t have to mean side-by-side.
17. Remote-by-policy employees are also 23% more likely to say they’ve received training on personal stress management
Stress is part of the job, but helping employees manage it makes all the difference. Remote-by-policy employees are 23% more likely to say they’ve received stress management training, based on AWI data. It’s a clear signal: if you care about well-being, performance follows.
18. Employees in remote settings are 42% more likely to say their company is effective at training managers in technical skills
Leading from a distance takes more than calendar invites and camera-on reminders. AWI tells us that a 42% bump in tech skill training for remote managers suggests companies are stepping up. Because if you’re going to manage virtually, you need to know your tools and your people.
Communication, inclusion, and team dynamics
19. Remote-by-policy employees are 19% more likely than average to say people who look or identify like them get the opportunity to move internally
When people see others like them rising through the ranks, it changes how they see their own future. This stat from AWI shows that remote setups — done right — can open doors for equity and mobility, not close them.
20. Employees who are hybrid by choice are 26% more likely to feel there are opportunities for growth and development in their current role
Growth doesn’t have to mean giving up flexibility. When employees get to choose their work style and still see a path forward, it’s a signal from AWI that the organization is evolving alongside its people, and keeping talent longer because of it.
Leverage remote work statistics with Achievers
Remote work is here to stay — and so are the expectations that come with it. Employees want more than a flexible schedule. They want growth, recognition, trust, and purpose, no matter where they work from. The organizations that meet those expectations aren’t just surviving remote work — they’re thriving because of it.
At Achievers, our recognition platform helps businesses recognize and reinforce the behaviors that drive engagement and performance in every setting — remote, hybrid, or on-site. With powerful tools, data-driven insights, and a global rewards marketplace, we help you shape a culture that works wherever your people do.
