Chicago’s work scene is changing, no doubt about it. Remote work is a big part of that change, and it’s affecting how people work and how companies run things here in the Windy City. Think about it: a Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) study suggested that maybe a third of the jobs around Chicago could be done remotely. That’s a pretty big chunk, right? So, what’s actually happening with remote work in Chicago and its suburbs – places like Park Ridge, Skokie, and Glenview? Let’s take a look.
Chicago-Specific Numbers: What They Tell Us (and What They Don’t)
We’ve got numbers, sure, but they don’t always tell the whole story. A Robert Half survey says 28% of Chicago companies are fully remote, and another 34% are doing this “hybrid” thing. But what is hybrid, really? Is it once a week in the office? Once a month? It’s kind of a gray area. You really have to ask. Then you see Gartner saying 82% of leaders are okay with some remote work, at least sometimes. But then you have big companies like Amazon saying, “Nope, come on back to the office.” So, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. And get this – PwC says 83% of employers think remote work has been working out well. Which is interesting, considering everything else.
Nationally, Upwork is saying a huge number – 36 million – will be working remotely by 2025. That’s a big jump, and it’s bound to have an effect on Chicago, too, influencing the availability of remote jobs Chicago.
Chicago’s Tech Scene: A Remote Work Hotspot?
Chicago’s tech scene has been doing pretty well, actually. We’re a top tech hub, apparently. And that’s probably helping the whole remote work thing along. More tech jobs, more chances to work from home, right? This boom in tech is definitely creating more remote jobs in Chicago.
Money matters, of course. A Willis Towers Watson survey says most companies aren’t changing salaries for remote workers. Which, if you think about it, can save Chicagoans a lot on things like gas and parking. FlexJobs says the average remote worker saves six grand a year! And some companies are even helping with home office costs.
Real Estate and Networking: The Ripple Effect
Remote work is changing things beyond just jobs. Commercial real estate in the Loop is seeing some empty office space. And for remote workers, staying connected is key. Events like Chicago Tech Week and meetups are good places to meet people.
The Future: What’s Next for Remote Work in Chicago?
So, where is all this headed? Chicago seems ready for this shift, but everyone – companies and workers – needs to be ready to adapt. It’s a changing world, and we’re all trying to figure it out.
