41 Remote Work Statistics to Know [January 2025 Update]

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Hey there, fellow remote work enthusiasts and curious minds! As we dive into the ever-evolving realm of remote work in 2023, we’re about to embark on a journey through a treasure trove of fascinating statistics.

Whether you’re a remote work veteran or just dipping your toes into the digital nomad lifestyle, these insights will give you a fresh perspective on the state of remote work around the globe. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle into your coziest nook, and let’s explore the world of remote work together.

Contents hide

Remote Work Statistics: Reasons

Home Office Setup Statistics

Home Office Location Statistics

Remote Work’s Influence on Happiness and Work-Life Balance Statistics

Gender Based Remote Work Statistics

Remote Work Across Generation Statistics

Remote Work Statistics – Job Basis

Remote Work Statistics – Global

Remote Work Structure Statistics

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What percentage of employees prefer remote work in 2023?

2. Which countries are top choices for remote workers?

3. How has remote work affected different generations?

4. What are the most common remote work structures in 2023?

5. Which industries and occupations are embracing remote work?

Remote Work Statistics: Reasons

Ever wondered why so many folks are choosing to work remotely? Well, let’s break it down with some fresh 2023 stats that shed light on this remote work revolution.

The Power of Choice

Picture this: Not many of us were glued to our home offices before the pandemic, right? According to a Pew Research Center study, a whopping 57% of people rarely or never worked from home before COVID-19 rocked the boat.
Fast forward to 2022, and things took a turn. In January 2022, 61% of respondents proudly declared that they chose to continue their remote work journey. That’s a significant shift from the 36% who opted for home office life back in October 2020.
What’s even cooler? The number of folks forced to work from home due to office closures dropped from 64% in 2020 to 38% in 2022. Yep, that’s right. People were actively choosing to stay remote, even as offices reopened.
And here’s the latest scoop from February 2023: About 35% of U.S. employees are now in the full-time remote work club. Sure, that’s down 46% from January 2022, but it’s clear that remote work is still shaking things up.
Oh, and 41% of those remote-savvy folks? They’re rocking a hybrid work schedule, bouncing between the office and the comfort of their homes.

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A Matter of Preference

Some people just vibe with remote work. According to Owl Labs’ State of Remote Work 2022 Report, interest in remote and hybrid work skyrocketed by 24% and 16%, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic times. In contrast, interest in the old-school office grind dropped by 24%.
Even though some folks returned to the office, a solid 57% still preferred the comfort of their home offices.
Here’s the kicker: If you took away their remote work options, 66% of these folks would start looking for a new gig. Another 33% would straight-up quit. It’s clear that employees are loving the flexibility.
But, here’s where it gets interesting—there’s a bit of a gap between what employees want and what companies are offering. In 2022, 42% of employees wanted full-time remote gigs, but only 31% of employers were game. Similarly, while 30% of bosses were all about full-time on-site work, only 20% of workers were feeling it.

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The Joy of Remote Work

Now, let’s talk about happiness. According to The Future of Remote Work Report from 2022, remote work is like a happiness booster shot for many. They credit this joy to the flexible schedules that remote work brings, making it easier to balance work and life.
In fact, a whopping 96% of remote workers agree that work-life balance is a game-changer for their overall happiness. And it doesn’t stop at work—remote work spills over into personal lives, giving folks more time for family, a morale boost, and even a boost to their savings.
Survey says that remote work contributes to happiness (91%), offers flexibility for family life (66%), improves morale (62%), and even beefs up savings (61%). In fact, 86% of employees in the Owl Labs State of Remote Work 2022 report said they’d be happier with the option for full-time remote or hybrid work, some would even take a pay cut for it.

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The Demographics of Remote Work

Let’s talk about demographics. It turns out, folks with higher education and fatter paychecks are more likely to embrace remote work. About 38% of U.S. adults who work part or full-time reckon they can do their job mostly from home. But 62% say, “Nope, can’t do it remotely.”
Of those who are waving the remote work flag, 65% have a Bachelor’s degree, and 67% are bringing in those big bucks. So, if you’re wondering who’s leading the remote work revolution, it’s those highly educated, higher-income champions.

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Home Office Setup Statistics

According to Owl Labs’ State of Remote Work 2021 Report, not everyone working remotely during the pandemic was tucked away in a cozy home office. While 73% of folks did choose to work from their actual home offices, others got creative with their workspace choices. Check this out:

Home office: 73%
Bedroom: 39%
Dining room: 39%
Couch: 38%
Coworking space: 31%
Coffee shop or restaurant: 25%
Outdoors: 24%
Kitchen: 21%
Closet: 21%

Buffer’s latest findings for 2023 reveal that a whopping 82% of remote workers still prefer the coziness of their homes as their primary work location. Only a small 5% said they fancy coworking spaces, and a mere 2% opt for the hustle and bustle of coffee shops.

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Home Office Location Statistics

Owl Labs’ State of Remote Work 2021 Report tells us that during the pandemic, people were on the move:

About 78% moved away from urban locations.
Some 47% decided to trade the city life for the suburbs.
41% ventured to another state.
And, there’s the adventurous 13% who even packed their bags and moved to another country.

In 2022, Upwork’s data survey revealed that around 9.3% of employees in the U.S. were planning to move thanks to full-time remote work. That’s a staggering 19 million people!

What’s more, 28% of these movers had their sights set on places more than 4 hours away from their current homes. That’s a considerable distance, highlighting how remote work is breaking the geographical bonds that once tied employees to their company’s location.

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Remote Work’s Influence on Happiness and Work-Life Balance Statistics

Discover how remote work is reshaping happiness and work-life balance with insightful statistics that shed light on the modern work landscape.

Remote Work and Productivity: A Double-Edged Sword

But what about productivity, you ask? Well, that’s a bit of a mixed bag. Owl Labs’ data reveals that remote work has had varied effects on employee productivity:

Approximately 62% of employees feel that remote work has boosted their productivity.
However, around 11% express feeling less productive in a remote work setting.

Interestingly, when it comes to productivity in a remote environment, it appears that Generation Z workers are the shining stars. In contrast, Boomers may not find it as conducive to their efficiency.

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Meeting Deadlines: A Divide of Preferences

Meeting deadlines is a bit of a toss-up in the remote work landscape:

Approximately 42% of workers find working from home more effective for meeting deadlines.
Conversely, nearly an equal 41% believe that the office is more conducive to meeting those crucial deadlines.

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Equity in the Workplace: Concerns of Remote Workers

When it comes to workplace equity, remote workers have raised some palpable concerns. An article from Forbes captures these fears, particularly regarding leadership roles and career advancement opportunities.

Many remote workers worry that these opportunities may remain disproportionately available to on-site employees.

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Gender Based Remote Work Statistics

Explore gender-based remote work statistics to understand how men and women experience and adapt to remote work differently.

The Gender Stats

In 2019, the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimated that 147 million women and 113 million men worked from home.

Despite women making up approximately 38% of the global workforce, they take the lead in remote work, accounting for 58% of remote workers, as indicated by GitLab’s Remote Work Report 2021.

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Women’s Preference for Remote Work

This trend continues in recent data from Owl Labs for 2022, which highlights that women have a greater inclination to work from home compared to men:

Remote: Women – 46%, Men – 39%
Hybrid: Women – 34%, Men – 37%
In-office: Women – 19%, Men – 24%

The McKinsey report, “Women in the Workplace 2022,” echoes these findings, with 9 out of 10 women showing a preference for remote work.

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Benefits of Remote Work for Both Genders

Pew Research Center findings show that both men and women find it equally easy to balance work and personal life when working remotely. However, some gender-specific advantages emerge:

Women are more likely to excel at meeting deadlines and advancing in their careers when working from home.
Women also report experiencing fewer microaggressions when working remotely, as highlighted by the McKinsey report.

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Working Hours: A Gender Divide

Notably, when it comes to working hours, gender differences become apparent. The Owl Labs report reveals that men are 41% more likely to work 10+ additional hours per week when working remotely. In contrast, women tend to maintain the same working hours they did when working in a traditional office setting.

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Balancing Work and Family

While remote work offers flexibility, gendered differences persist. Women often find themselves dedicating more time to family tasks.

A study from the Ohio State University found that women working remotely in dual-earner couples are more likely to feel the need to complete additional household chores. These blurred lines between work and life can sometimes lead to burnout and feelings of overwhelming guilt.

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Productivity in Remote Work

According to data from a report titled “Viewpoint on Remote Work Depends on Gender, Ethnicity, Industry” published in SHRM, both men and women agree that they are more productive when working remotely.

However, women report slightly higher productivity levels:

40% of women feel more productive in a remote work environment.
35% of men share the same sentiment.

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Remote Work Across Generation Statistics

Discover how different generations are adapting to remote work with insightful statistics that shed light on the preferences and challenges faced by Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z in today’s evolving work landscape.

Generational Composition in the Workforce

The global workforce comprises five generations, but the prominent players are Millennials and Gen Zs. These generations bring diverse, people-oriented, and socially-responsible perspectives, prompting companies to adapt their business approaches.

Estimates even suggest that by 2025, Millennials will make up approximately 75% of the global workforce, while Gen Z continues to enter the workforce.

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Remote Work Preferences Across Generations

Remote work preferences vary significantly across generations. Deloitte’s survey reveals that:

76% of Millennials and 75% of Gen Zs prefer a hybrid or remote work arrangement.
Only 14% of Millennials and 12% of Gen Zs favor always working remotely.
20% of Millennials and 19% of Gen Zs would opt for a permanent in-office work environment.

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Current Remote Work Options

Despite their preferences, the same survey found that 49% of Gen Zs and 45% of Millennials currently have the option to work remotely at least part of the time.

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Generational Job Change Outlook

Millennials and Gen Zs are more inclined toward job changes. According to Microsoft’s “Great Expectations: Making Hybrid Work Work Report”:

In 2022, 52% of Gen Z and Millennials were expected to consider changing employers.
In 2023, approximately 52% of these generations combined are contemplating changing jobs.
In contrast, only 35% of Gen X and Baby Boomers are considering job changes.

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Shift to Remote Work

A notable finding from Microsoft indicates that 56% of Gen Z is considering a shift to remote work in the coming year. Furthermore, about 52% of Gen Z hybrid employees would be willing to relocate to facilitate remote work.

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Job Retention Across Generations

Job retention is not uniform among these generations:

Deloitte’s 2021 survey found that nearly 1 in 4 Millennials planned to leave their jobs within the year.
In the 2022 survey, 40% of Gen Zs and almost 24% of Millennials expressed their desire to leave their jobs within two years.
About 32% of Millennials and 35% of Gen Zs would consider leaving their jobs without having another job lined up.

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Motivations for Job Changes

Pay appears to be a driving force behind job-hopping for both Millennials and Gen Z. Deloitte’s report highlights that pay is the primary reason these generations left a role in the last two years.

Interestingly, Gen Z is more likely to support pay being tied to a specific location compared to older generations.

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Side Jobs and Businesses

Millennials and Gen Zs are open to earning additional income through side jobs and businesses:

According to Microsoft, in 2023, approximately 70% of Gen Z is considering earning extra income through side projects or businesses outside their current employer.
Additionally, 67% of Millennials are contemplating similar opportunities.

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Motivations for Staying at a Job

Research from the General Center for Kinetics identifies key factors motivating Gen Z to continue working at a job after their first week:

A flexible schedule
A positive relationship with their boss
The ability to bring their authentic selves to work

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Benefits of Remote Work for Millennials and Gen Z

Remote work brings various benefits for Millennials and Gen Zs, as revealed by Deloitte’s survey:

Saving money on commuting, clothing, and other expenses
The ability to relocate away from their place of work
Enhanced work efficiency
More free time for hobbies and personal activities
Increased time spent with family and friends

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Remote Work Statistics – Job Basis

Explore the impact of remote work on various job sectors with statistics that reveal which industries and occupations are embracing remote work, the opportunities it presents, and the challenges some sectors face in adapting to this evolving work paradigm.

Occupations with the Best Opportunities for Remote Work

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in November 2022, certain occupations stood out for their remote work opportunities:

Legal Occupations: Approximately 50.1% of employees in this field had the opportunity to work from home.
Computer and Mathematical Occupations: A close second, with 47.6% allowed working remotely.
Business and Financial Operations: Claiming the third spot, with 40.8% of employees enjoying remote work options.
Management: At 29.6%.
Architecture and Engineering: At 29.3%.

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Industries Embracing Remote Work

LinkedIn’s Workplace Confidence Survey in 2021 shed light on remote work trends across industries:

Software and I.T.: These industries led the pack, with 48% offering full-time remote work and 51% embracing hybrid work.
Public Administration: Lagging behind in full-time remote work at 25%, but showing strength in hybrid work (41%) and flexible hours (32%).
Legal Sector: Notably, 49% offered hybrid work options.
Healthcare: Embracing hybrid work at 40%.
Manufacturing: At 33%.
Education: Offering remote work opportunities to 31% of employees.

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Industries Leading Remote Job Postings

Research from Remote in 2022 identified industries that led in remote job postings:

Management & Consulting: Accounting for 19.4% of remote job postings.
Media & Communication: With 15.9%.
Information Technology: At 15.4%.
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology: Contributing 14.0%.
Personal Consumer Services: Featuring 13.8%.

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Occupations and Industries Where Remote Work Isn’t an Option

The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlighted industries and occupations where remote work isn’t feasible, including:

Protective Service: Jobs that require physical presence for safety and security.
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance: Hands-on tasks related to property upkeep.
Personal Care and Service: Roles that involve in-person service delivery.
Construction and Extraction: Jobs demanding on-site work for construction and resource extraction.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry: Agriculture and fishing jobs that necessitate physical labor and presence.

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Remote Work Statistics – Global

Delve into the global landscape of remote work with statistics that shed light on how countries worldwide are adapting to remote work, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they provide for remote workers. Discover the trends, preferences, and regulations shaping the future of remote work on a global scale.

Best Countries for Remote Workers

Kayak’s “Work from Wherever Guide” ranked the best countries for remote workers based on several categories, including travel accessibility, local costs, health and safety, remote work opportunities, social life, and weather. The top-ranking countries for remote workers are:

Portugal: Scoring a perfect 100/100, Portugal is a top destination for remote workers. It’s known for initiatives like the Digital Nomads Madeira village.
Spain: Following closely with a score of 93/100.
Romania: At 92/100.
Mauritius: Achieving a score of 90/100.
Japan: Also scoring 90/100.

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Top Trending Workcation Destinations

For those looking to combine work and leisure, Kayak identified the top-trending workcation destinations. These cities offer excellent opportunities for remote work and exploration:

Lisbon (Portugal): Leading the list of workcation destinations.
San José (Costa Rica): A fantastic choice for remote work and adventure.
São Paulo (Brazil): Combining work and exploration in South America.
Buenos Aires (Argentina): Offering a vibrant cultural experience.
Dublin (Ireland): A European hub for remote workers.
Milan (Italy): A blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.
Puerto Vallarta (Mexico): Combining beach life with remote work.
San Juan (Puerto Rico): A tropical paradise for digital nomads.
Honolulu (Hawaii): A remote work paradise in the Pacific.
Mexico City (Mexico): A vibrant and diverse destination.

Countries with High Remote Work Adoption

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries saw significant shifts toward remote work. Here are some key insights:

Germany and the Netherlands were early adopters of remote work, with nearly 80% of German businesses and 75% of Dutch companies adopting flexible work policies.
The Netherlands briefly took the lead in the percentage of remote workers, with 13.7%, but the overall global remote work index ranks Germany as the best country for remote work.
The top 10 countries for remote work include Germany, Denmark, the USA, Spain, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, Estonia, Singapore, and France.

Countries with Remote Work Regulations

Some countries have updated their labor laws to regulate remote work, ensuring fair working conditions. These regulations often include:

Requiring written agreements for remote work.
Obligating employers to provide necessary equipment and cover related costs like internet.
Prohibiting discrimination based on gender, age, professional group, disability, or seniority.
Countries with remote work regulations include Chile, Belgium, Spain, Russia, Mexico, Ukraine, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Turkey, Argentina, Taiwan, Angola, Brazil, Portugal, Greece, Colombia, Norway, Serbia, the Netherlands, and France.

Resistance to Remote Work in France and Japan

While many countries have embraced remote work, France and Japan have shown some resistance:

In France, most employees prefer working from the office, with only 29% desiring remote work at least once a week. French employees value social interaction and find remote work isolating.
In Japan, remote work opportunities have decreased, with only 29% of companies allowing it. The majority of Japanese companies offer no remote positions.

Remote Work Trends in the U.S. and U.K.

The U.S. and the U.K. are more inclined to offer remote work opportunities:

According to GitLab’s Remote Work Report 2021, businesses in the U.S. and the U.K. are more likely to allow employees to work 100% remotely compared to South Africa, Brazil, and South Korea.
Australia closely follows the U.K. and the U.S. in embracing remote work, with more than half of knowledge workers working remotely to some extent.

Fastest Internet Speeds

High-speed internet is crucial for remote work:

Macau boasts the world’s fastest internet speed at 262.74 Mbps.
Jersey and Iceland follow closely with 256.59 Mbps and 216.56 Mbps, respectively.

Fastest Mobile Internet Speeds

Fast mobile internet is essential for seamless remote work:

Qatar leads with the fastest mobile internet speed, clocking in at 176.18 Mbps.
The United Arab Emirates and Norway follow with speeds of 139.41 Mbps and 131.54 Mbps, respectively.

Remote Work Structure Statistics

Discover statistics that highlight the prevalence of each work structure, the preferences of employees and employers, and the evolving nature of remote work in today’s world.

Current Remote Work Structures

Fully Remote: About 49% of respondents in the State of Remote Work 2022 report by Buffer stated that they work in a fully remote capacity, meaning they primarily or exclusively work from locations outside the office.

Remote-First: Another 23% of respondents reported working in remote-first companies, where remote work is the default mode of operation.

Office Occasional: Approximately 16% of respondents mentioned working under a structure where they occasionally work from the office, but remote work is a regular part of their routine.

Office First, Remote Allowed: Around 11% of respondents work in companies that primarily operate from the office but allow employees to work remotely on occasion.

Trends in Remote Work Adoption

The adoption of remote work has seen significant growth, with more opportunities for remote work becoming available:

In March 2020, only 1 in 67 U.S. jobs offered remote work as an option.
Two years later, about 1 in 7 U.S. jobs (approximately 14%) offered remote work as an option.
Remote job listings on platforms like LinkedIn attract significantly more views and applicants compared to on-site roles.

Distribution of Work Models in Companies

A substantial portion of companies have adopted remote work structures:

According to the Global Virtual Teams Survey Report 2022 by CultureWizard, approximately 89% of companies operate as fully remote, remote-first, or remote-friendly.
Among these, the majority (61%) are fully remote, while 11% operate fully on-site.

Preference for Hybrid Work

The hybrid work model, which combines in-office and remote work, is gaining popularity:

Data from an Achievers Workforce Institute survey showed that in 2021, 60% of employers operated under the hybrid work model.
Approximately 27% of employers were fully remote, and 13% were fully in-office.

Employer and Employee Preferences

Hybrid work models have become a preferred choice for many companies and employees:

The State of Remote Work Report 2022 by Owl Labs revealed that 42% of companies adopted a hybrid work model.
Employee preferences also showed an interest in the hybrid model, with 31% expressing interest in a schedule that includes 1-4 days of in-office work.

Changing Remote Work Structures

The landscape of remote work structures has evolved between 2021 and 2022:

In 2021, 27% of workers operated in a fully remote capacity.
However, in 2022, this number decreased to 18%.
The hybrid work model remained relatively consistent, with 60% in 2021 and 59% in 2022.
Fully in-office work saw an increase from 13% in 2021 to 24% in 2022.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks—40 eye-opening remote work statistics that provide a snapshot of how our work landscape is shifting and changing. It’s evident that remote work isn’t just a passing trend; it’s here to stay, shaping our workplaces and redefining what “office” truly means.

As we bid adieu to our remote work stats adventure, let’s raise a virtual toast to the future of work and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Happy remote working, everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What percentage of employees prefer remote work in 2023?

In 2023, approximately 72% of employees prefer some form of remote work. This includes 49% who work fully remotely, while 23% are part of remote-first companies, embracing a flexible work arrangement.

2. Which countries are top choices for remote workers?

Portugal leads the list of the best countries for remote workers, scoring 100/100 in a ranking that factors in aspects like travel, local costs, health and safety, remote work opportunities, social life, and weather. Spain, Romania, Mauritius, and Japan follow closely in the top spots.

3. How has remote work affected different generations?

Both Gen Z (born after 1995) and Millennials (born from 1981 to 1994) show a strong preference for hybrid or remote work arrangements, with around 75% leaning towards this flexible work style.

Gen Z is particularly inclined to shift to remote work and explore side jobs, while Millennials focus on better work-life balance.

4. What are the most common remote work structures in 2023?

In 2023, the most common remote work structures are fully remote (49%) and remote-first (23%). Additionally, 16% operate under an office-occasional model, while 11% have an office-first approach with remote allowances, reflecting the diverse ways employees are working remotely.

5. Which industries and occupations are embracing remote work?

Legal occupations (50.1%), computer and mathematical roles (47.6%), and business and financial operations (40.8%) offer the most remote work opportunities.

Software and IT industries are leading the charge, with 48% of companies providing full-time remote work options. At the same time, management and consulting, media and communication, and information technology are top industries for remote job postings.