Over the past decade, the way people work has evolved, driven largely by technology. Yet the most significant shift arrived with the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 accelerated a trend that was already underway: remote work. This new business model is reshaping not just how work gets done, but also family life and the way cities are designed in Canada and the United States.
Remote work is not a new concept. Tech firms and startups experimented with it for years, but the pandemic forced companies across industries to embrace it. The idea that productivity can be sustained without a traditional office has become a practical reality for many organizations and employees alike.
A Stanford study published in 2023 shows that 48 percent of employees worldwide now work remotely at least part of the time, a substantial rise from about 30 percent in 2020. This demonstrates a lasting shift in work habits and preferences across diverse sectors and regions, including North America.
“Medium-sized cities like Alicante will benefit from increased remote working”
When it comes to family life, remote work brings a mix of advantages and challenges. On the plus side, it affords a more flexible balance between professional and private responsibilities. Parents can spend more time with their children, and many people tailor their schedules to fit personal needs. On the downside, the boundary between work and home can blur, making it harder to unplug at the end of the day and maintain clear routines.
Migration to less populated areas
The design of cities is changing as remote work expands. As the need to live close to a centralized workplace diminishes, people are moving to less densely populated regions. This trend is reviving small towns and rural areas and highlighting the importance of strong digital infrastructure in these communities for sustained success and quality of life.
Remote work, option or right?
Alongside this transformation, vacant office buildings are being repurposed for housing, community centers, and other uses. The shift toward more community-oriented spaces is reshaping urban design and economic ecosystems in cities across North America.
Problems with remote work
As this era unfolds, challenges such as social isolation, a digital divide, and the difficulty of managing time surface alongside the opportunities. Yet it is clear that this model has the potential to change daily life in profound ways, and it is already doing so for many workers and families.
Moving forward, it will be essential for businesses, governments, and individuals to collaborate to maximize the benefits of remote work while addressing its hurdles. Many observers agree that remote work is here to stay, and a thoughtful approach will be needed to ensure lasting success for diverse communities across Canada and the United States.