How Remote Work is Shaping Startups in 2024

First, we thought we’d all be back to our office by 2022, and we were wrong. So we thought maybe that was a bit too early - 2023 had to be the year.

But we were wrong again. 2024 just started, and data is telling us something - we are not going back to the office any time soon.

Remote work is here to stay, and it’s going to shape the way we work in 2024 and beyond. 

Let's dive into how these remote work trends have led to a big shift in jobs and lifestyle choices, like the Great Resignation and more people becoming digital nomads.

The impact of the Great Resignation and the growth of digital nomadism

The pandemic didn’t put everyone’s lives on hold for nothing, but forced us to rethink our priorities. The global workforce was used to thinking that going to work was a fundamental part of business. Then suddenly it was not anymore. We could do our work from the comfort of our home… or from anywhere in the world.

According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, 46% of the global workforce said they were likely to leave their current job because they could now work remotely.

In 2021, many didn’t just consider the option… they actually did it. 47 million people in the US alone, to be more specific.

But what did all these people do?

They looked for new opportunities. Many had more time with their families or the freedom to explore the world as digital nomads. Some restricted their job search to fully remote roles. Others started to freelance as a side hustle, and by now run successful freelance ventures. Others still started their own online businesses on the side and worked hard to grow it until it replaced their full time income.

According to a survey which collected 2,300+ responses, ‘personal freedom’ was the most frequent reason to start a side hustle.

Now, let's talk about the skills you need to work well from anywhere, whether it's your home or a beach in Hawaii.

Skill development for a remote environment

It sounds like a dream - living life without commuting, sipping margaritas in front of your laptop in Hawaii, and working at your own hours. But the truth, as often happens, is a bit different.

If you are serious about your new career, you may want to spend some time preparing for remote work before you book your one-way flight.

The skills you once used as an employee are a solid foundation, but career development in remote work is not just about the job you do - it has a lot to do with establishing an online presence and running a successful business.

Luckily enough, you won’t have to go back to university to acquire most of the skills you will need. Online education offers you plenty of ways to learn!

Want to improve your writing skills to grow your authority and create a personal brand?

There are several online memberships for that.

Or maybe you need to improve your copywriting skills to convert leads into clients, and you think an online course may be the best way to do it.

And it doesn’t end there - online education can help you to learn time management to keep your mental health, marketing skills to grow the business, or literally any skill you need along your journey.

Ready to take up the digital nomad lifestyle, here are some practical tips to help you manage work and travel life effectively.

Digital nomad lifestyle tips

If you feel like you have found your niche and are on your way to run a successful remote business, digital nomadism may be closer than you think.

Here are some tips to help you to get started:

1. Start slow. You don’t need to travel 10,000 miles to learn what it’s like to live as a digital nomad. You can start from a city near you or try a 1-week workation and see what it feels like.
2. Keep a strict schedule. Whether you are freelancing or running an online business, time slips away pretty easily when you are your own boss. A good time tracker can help you to be in control.
   
3. Create a budget. At times, remote work comes with a variable income. That’s why being in control of your expenses becomes paramount, especially when you are constantly on the go.
4. Use reliable equipment. When your work is based on a laptop, there’s nothing worse than a tech issue. Before you leave home, it may be time to consider if it’s worth upgrading.
5. Find workspaces. Your total focus is a requirement for any job, remote or not. That’s why it’s important to find a good place to focus to always deliver the highest possible quality.

I know - preparing for remote work and digital nomadism can be intimidating. The good news is that all of this is totally doable.

Together, digital nomads from all walks of life showed startups that work didn’t have to be confined to a cubicle, and that new paths were not only possible, but in some cases they might even be better.

All this change isn't just for individuals. Startups are also evolving, finding new ways by hiring remote teams and adapting to flexible work setups. Read more. 

The evolution of startups

While digital nomads keep growing their online careers, how can startups keep up the pace?

With their lean and cost-effective structures, they are perfectly equipped to make the most of the new trend. In fact, they were hiring fully remote teams and collaborating remotely with freelancers before remote work even went mainstream.

Digital tools they use include:

• Microsoft 365 for teamwork and seamless collaboration

• Zoom for remote communication even from miles and miles away

• Unified workspaces to bring all knowledge and files in one place

• To-do lists to always stay on top of every task

Integrating similar tools into daily operations may seem challenging at first. With time, however, it becomes much easier and natural for all parties involved. It’s also cost-effective, especially when we consider that remote teams allow startups to drastically cut their office space expenses.

FAQs

1. What is the Great Resignation?

The Great Resignation, or the Big Quit, is a trend of voluntarily resigning from one’s job. It started in early 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic and saw record-level resignations until mid-2023.

2. What are the benefits of remote work?

Remote work has plenty of benefits. The most common ones include more autonomy and flexibility, better work-life balance, higher productivity, and less commuting time.

3. How do you track the performance of a remote team?

Make sure every team member feels supported, even when working remotely. Establish clear expectations, set SMART goals, and check in regularly to ensure no team member is left behind.

4. What are some digital nomad jobs?

Most digital nomads run an online business. Many are freelance designers, developers, or consultants. Others run their own niche sites or sell digital products. Finally, some are fully remote employees.

About the author

Julian Lankstead is the founder of ClickPioneer & JulianLankstead.com. He helps businesses grow using cutting-edge digital marketing techniques and optimizing business processes.