The way we work is undergoing a profound transformation, and at the heart of this revolution is the concept of remote work. 

In a world where change is the only constant, the traditional nine-to-five office model is no longer the default for many employees and organizations. Instead, remote work has come to the forefront, becoming an integral part of the modern work landscape.

The remote work landscape has evolved from being a temporary necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic to a dynamic and permanent shift in how we approach work. As we adapt to this new reality, it’s crucial to examine the fundamental changes and redefine the remote work landscape to make it work for both employees and employers.

The Upwork Research Institute: Pioneering the Future of Work

The Upwork Research Institute was established to not only comprehend this shift from the traditional notions of the nine-to-five office job but to lead the charge in understanding what the future of work truly entails and provide valuable insights to businesses and professionals alike.

We are thrilled to witness the debut of the Upwork Research Institute, under the guidance of Dr. Kelly Monahan. As part of this initiative, we had the privilege of contributing to the institute’s first research report. The report highlights Freedom as a work innovator, showcasing our commitment to fostering a thriving remote culture.

At Freedom, we understand that creating a successful remote work environment goes beyond just allowing employees to work from home. It requires implementing the right policies and practices that promote productivity, collaboration, and well-being.

To ensure we are at the forefront of remote work best practices, we have partnered and learned from industry leaders such as Running Remote, Rosie Allimonos, Managing Director of Cultural Agility Sessions, and the head of Doist’s remote strategy, Chase Warrington. Together, we strive to develop innovative strategies that empower individuals and organizations to embrace remote work as a sustainable and effective way of doing business. 

“We want to bring people together in a truly meaningful way, even though we are spread out. We want to get the processes right in a way that puts our employees first. Once we had more people we had to create a culture of documentation, have great processes in place so people could work in their time zones.” – Fred Stutzman, CEO of Freedom

Additionally, in today’s interconnected world, the traditional hiring model is undergoing a profound transformation. The belief that the best employees must always be within easy reach is now evolving into a more dynamic and global perspective on talent acquisition. Organizations are recognizing that top talent can be found across borders.

“I think organizations need to have the flexibility to understand that the best employees are not necessarily around the corner,” Stutzman said in the interview with Dr. Monahan. “And when they are in different parts of the world, being able to onboard them and help them work effectively is a really critical differentiator.”

In the pursuit of success for remote companies, dedication to crafting innovative operational strategies is often the key. By fully immersing ourselves in this dynamic realm, we acquire priceless insights and best practices that would serve as the bedrock for shaping new organizational policies.

Stay tuned for more groundbreaking research from the Upwork Research Institute as we continue to explore new frontiers in remote work and shape the future of flexible employment.