Study Finds Fully Remote Work Leads to Fewer Promotions

New survey data highlighted that remote workers are losing out on promotions and mentorship, as outlined in the Wall Street Journal. While there was no difference in promotion rates between hybrid workers and those in the office 5 days per week, fully remote workers are at a disadvantage when it comes to career progression. This difference especially impacts women, who choose to work remotely at higher rates.

In-person connection makes a difference. While companies report efforts to ensure fully remote workers receive the same access to advancement, the lack of “water cooler” conversations impacts remote workers’ advancement. In fact, research shows that fully remote workers are more productive than their fully in-office peers, but without these in-person interactions, their professional relationships and development suffer.

Hybrid work sees no impact: There was no difference in promotion rates between hybrid workers and those in the office 5 days per week. Not surprisingly, research confirms that fully remote work is better suited for those who are more established in their careers. 

Differences in overall wellbeing: Remote workers continue to indicate higher levels of overall wellbeing. Gallup research shows that fully remote workers (23%) report fewer instances of being burned out than their hybrid (28%) or in-office counterparts (31%). 

Outlook: Research on remote and hybrid work continues to demonstrate the many trade-offs associated with new approaches to working.