When the global pandemic forced companies all over the world to send their employees home to work virtually, remote work had its biggest moment yet. After everyone became accustomed to this new normal, something became very apparent to many office-based teams. This was mainly that employees could be extremely productive and focused when not in the office—in many cases, even more so.

Employers everywhere began to understand that remote work really works, how it can really work, and all the incredible benefits it can offer to both the employer and employee. More and more big-name companies are embracing flexible schedules for their remote teams leading to new remote work trends and more remote work options.

A year ago, what had seemed like a short-term solution, has now become a permanent one. Employers and employees have both embraced the advantages of remote work. It allows to save copies amounts of money on office space and supplies. In turn, employees may be able to have a better work-life balance, as well as reduced stress, among other health benefits.

Going back to the office with 100 percent of the people 100 percent of the time, I think there is zero chance of that,” stated Daniel Pinto, JPMorgan’s co-president. If anything, the pandemic has strengthened those companies’ commitment to remote work. It’s really shown them to be the leaders in this area. They have found that a hybrid work model provides flexibility, and allows employees to work remotely 3 days a week, and work in the office for the other 2 days. Within this structure, you may have teams that can still connect in house where collaboration can still occur in person.

Also, newcomers, such as Pfizer posted a great deal of remote positions in recent months, demonstrating that the remote-work trend is not just a “trend” after all, but an innovative permanent move. Marketing, administrative and human resources are some of the fast-growing categories for remote work, each having increased 35% from March 2020 to April 2021.

Companies are starting to make the decision to stick with it 100% now that they get to experience the additional benefits without the added stressor of the pandemic. Since the first quarter of 2020 remote work trends and expectations have drastically changed. Employers definitely weren’t prepared for their entire workforce to work from home at the start of the pandemic, but thanks to technology and innovation it’s working out exceptionally well. Global Workplace Analytics believes that 35-50% of the workforce will be partially to fully remote by 2021. Welcome to the future of flexible productivity.