Remote work was on the rise prior COVID-19 pandemic, however, the experience of the last few months might set new "hybrid work" trends for a post-pandemic world.

The 'working from home' realities have accelerated the large-scale adoption or remote work, evolved corporate attitudes toward it, and shaped employees’ expectations for greater flexibility, according to a recent study quoted by MIT Tech Review.

The study, “Insight 2020 Intelligent Technology Pulse: The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Readiness,” found that enterprise IT professionals understand we have the technology to work from virtually anywhere. They note, rather than threaten business continuity, remote work is essential to promoting it, and further believe flexible work environments will play a more central role moving forward. As one respondent put it, “remote workers are going to be the new norm for our company.”

Equally important to business leaders, employees are on board with more remote work. According to PwC, almost three quarters (72%) of US employees now want to work remotely at least two days per week, with one third (32%) preferring to never go to the office. Similarly, Gallup reported in April 2020 that 60% of Americans would prefer to continue to work remotely once public health restrictions are lifted.

The pandemic has only heightened these expectations. According to Accenture, the forced approach to remote work during the worst of the pandemic will fuel a massive and further shift to virtual activity. “Anything that can be done virtually will be.

Winners will be those who test and explore all of the associated creative possibilities.” In other words, digital engagement is here to stay, likely becoming the ante to play for most businesses from this point on.

Read more on the MIT Tech Review

To access the full Insight study, click here