Before COVID-19, only 5.3% of workers worked from home full-time and 29% had the option of working remotely part-time. Now job market analysts are estimating that half of the workforce is currently working from home. This figure is expected to rise to 70% of employees working from home at least 5 days a month by 2025.

New surveys of Canadian workers also found that 45% expected remote work options for part of the week going forward. Over 25% would like to see this flexibility in work location extend beyond the pandemic. This means that the job search may be very different than we’re used to as Canadians redefine their job search criteria.

Reasons for a growing remote work job market

• As companies begin to return their employees to the office, they will have to incorporate social distancing. Less bodies in the office means the job market will likely see remote work become a normal part of many future opportunities.
• Anxiety about contracting coronavirus is an obvious concern, with 56% of Canadians claiming this has affected their desire to return to work.
• The elimination of a daily commute frees up extra hours that employees can spend increasing their productivity or enjoying greater work-life balance.
• Further savings (up to $4,000 per month!) from the lack of working lunches, gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and laundry.
• Without being tied to a particular location’s job market, employees are free to live in lower-cost neighborhoods.
• Businesses are saving money as well, on rent, heat, cleaning, and other fees tied up with an office space.

Where the remote work job opportunities are

The remote job market is proving attractive to employees, and certain sectors are drawing in more job hunters with work-from-home opportunities. Fast-growing careers with remote work options include fields like translation, graphic design, and bookkeeping [1].

Jobs in healthcare and IT are also commonly done remotely, and these job markets have seen growth through the pandemic. They also happen to be industries with high demand and competitive salaries. Education has also seen a spike in remote work opportunities, as e-learning becomes the new norm.

Companies hiring for remote work job opportunities may also be based in countries around the world. No longer limited to physical jobs in Vancouver, we see job markets opening up to international applicants. This can mean a greater diversity of opportunities in your job search.

Tips for how to approach the remote job search

• Make sure your technology is up to date and functioning properly. A reliable internet connection will be vital.
• Tidy up before an interview, and even though you’re at home, dress as if the interview was in person
• Practice speaking through a screen so you can let your personality shine through
• Silence your phone and put the dog in the other room. Maintaining an air of professionalism will give employers confidence you can work from home efficiently.

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About the Author

Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Prior to joining BCJobs.ca, Simon was an advisor for several global blockchain projects including Litecoin, NEM, and Ripple. In the past, he also worked with Fortune 500 companies in the healthcare space through SM Digital—a global marketing agency.

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