Beyond the Pandemic: The Lasting Impact of Remote Work

Our Company / October 16, 2023 / Thanny Schmitz

As the world slowly transitions back to familiar office spaces, the debate over the future of work has gained momentum. While big tech companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon are eager to return to the pre-pandemic routines of in-person collaboration, Marketcircle stands resolute in its conviction that remote work holds the key to a new era of productivity, flexibility, and employee well-being.

We initiated our remote work experiment in 2009. After several years of fine-tuning the processes, we finally found the recipe that works successfully for our organization to go fully remote. And in 2015, we made the strategic decision to transition to a fully remote workforce. At the leading edge of remote work since way before the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve made it our mission to be among the companies with best work life balance, fostering a culture that thrives on the power of flexibility and collaboration across virtual landscapes.

In this blog post, we celebrate our journey as trailblazers in the remote work territory, reflect on the benefits of remote work for employers and employees, and share first hand accounts from our talented team members who have experienced the countless benefits of working remotely.

Illustration shows five people working remotely in different work settings. Title reads "Beyond the Pandemic: the lasting impact of remote work"

Remote Work Holds the Key to a New Era of Productivity

According to a report by Allwork, remote work has seen a staggering 159% growth over the past 12 years, with over 4.7 million employees in the United States working remotely. In recent years, more specifically due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work became a global phenomenon with significant effects on productivity, work-life balance, and overall employee satisfaction. 

But now, we see companies attempting to go back to the office while employees long for more time at home after experiencing the benefits of remote work. According to a survey by ConnectSolutions, 77% of remote employees show increased productivity at least a few times per month, with 54% doing more work in the same or less time.

Marketcircle stands as a testament to the long-term viability and success of remote work as a sustainable work model.

Benefits of Remote Work for Employers

As organizations around the world try to move back to an in-person work style, we’d like to share some key lessons we learned throughout our journey that speak directly to the benefits of remote work for employers, to help other businesses grasp the amazing possibilities of working from home.

Firstly, there is no doubt that organizations that embrace remote work are among the companies with the best work-life balance, which now is a crucial criteria for professionals when considering a job.

Image shows five different facts about the lasting impact of remote work.

Other benefits of working from home for employers are:

  • Reduced operating costs – By embracing remote work, employers can reduce or eliminate office space expenses, saving on rent, utilities, insurance, and maintenance costs.
  • Increased productivity: Employees can focus better without common distractions from an office setting, as well as create personalized work spaces and leverage technology to collaborate effectively. This boosted productivity is especially beneficial for the company when teams can rely on collaboration tools like Daylite – the Apple-based CRM business app that makes collaboration easy by keeping everything organized, searchable, and accessible in one place.
  • Expanded talent pool: Employers are no longer restricted by the limitations of a local workforce, but can tap into a diverse range of skills and expertise from across the world. This not only fosters innovation and creativity within the organization but also increases the potential for cultural exchange and unique perspectives.
  • Employee engagement and loyalty – Remote work also cultivates a sense of autonomy and trust between employers and employees. By focusing on outcomes rather than micromanaging processes, organizations can foster a culture of accountability and ownership. This, in turn, encourages employees to take initiative, demonstrate self-discipline, and deliver exceptional results.

What Does Working From Home Look Like for Our Team Members?

From the perspective of employees, unparalleled flexibility and freedom are among the main benefits of working from home. To provide you with genuine insights into the wonders of remote work, we asked our teams: “what are the benefits of working from home for you?”

image shows a word cloud with words that appeared the most in quotes about remote work from Marketcircle employees

In their own words, our team members shared below how remote work has transformed their lives and elevated their professional growth. Their responses resonated closely with what we hold dear, highlighting the most impactful aspects of remote work. Check it out:

Spend More Time With Loved Ones

Carolyn Vitale – Sales Team Manager

“Remote work gives me the ability to show up for my kids without having the stress of being stuck in traffic or panicking about what they will eat for dinner. It gives me time to get active and outdoors with my dog when I need a break and gives me autonomy over my work environment.”

Charles Joseph – Software Development Manager

“Remote work has been an absolute game-changer for family time in my house. Instead of starting and ending the day commuting, I can chat with my partner, hang out with my kids, and prep meals to ease in and out of things. Who needs a water cooler when you have little afternoon Lego breaks with a 4-year-old who’s overjoyed to pop into your office? Marketcircle’s flexibility and empathy let me do my best work and find balance.”

illustration shows a man sitting by his work desk, waving goodbye to a kid that's leaving for school.

Preeti Dudhediya – Technical Support Representative

“Remote work at Marketcircle has given me the flexibility and freedom to work from the comfort of my home and still be available to my child through his growth years when he needed me the most, perfect work-life balance I couldn’t have achieved without remote work.”

Ray Bourcier – Technical Support Manager

“The ability to work from anywhere has allowed me the flexibility as a stay-at-home dad to not only provide our clients with my best but also allows me to spend more time with my family.”

Sebastien Boisvert – Senior Software Developer

“Remote work has given me the ultimate freedom to prioritize what truly matters. With no commute, I shed the stress and gain precious moments to spend with my family. My cozy, custom work area helps me stay in the zone and fuels my productivity, far from the confines of a bland office or cubicle. Remote work has also given me a flexible schedule to seize the day, while fewer distractions allow me to focus and excel. Remote work has added harmony to my work life, and I’m very thankful for that.”

Tim Tisdall – Software Developer

“Working from home has been great for spending more time with my family.  No more time wasted commuting!”

Illustration shows a woman playing with a dog while she works from home

Regain Work-Life Balance through More Flexibility

Davy Wong – Sales Coordinator

“Remote work allows me to really set my own schedule and offers flexibility. This for me leads to being able to have higher productivity, work/life balance and reduces stress”

Matthew Newman – Customer Success Data Analyst

“Remote work has transformed my life! Imagine the freedom and balance it offers. I’ve curated my perfect workspace at home—comfy chair, personal decor, and favorite tunes. No more commuting or rigid hours. I design my day to fit me, whether outdoors with fresh air or cozy indoors. Remote work lets me be me while staying productive. It’s the dream where comfort and productivity coexist. Cheers to remote work and the amazing balance it brings!”

Roxy Luciw – Customer Service Representative

“Working remotely provides me the freedom to work from anywhere. Whether that’s at home, the library, a coffee shop or the beach. It allows for me to travel and experience new places, as well as get the everyday tasks completed like laundry or prep dinner. Remote work gives me a work-life balance.”

Illustration shows a man working from home, listening to music and interacting with his dog

Thanny Schmitz – Content Marketing Coordinator

“Remote work is a game-changer! It gives me freedom to shape my workday for peak productivity and personal satisfaction. No more commuting means extra precious hours to invest in activities that bring me joy and relaxation, so instead of starting my day already stressed and tired, I get to do so with mindfulness and ready for a new challenge. 

Work from Anywhere

Gillian S. – Customer Service Manager

“I absolutely love remote work for its multiple benefits. It offers location freedom, seamlessly integrating my personal and professional life. Whether i’m at home, at a café, or seeing new places, I get to work while I travel and experience different cultures. Without the constraints of a traditional office, I have gained a better work-life balance, allowing me to prioritize personal interests and spend more quality time with loved ones. Marketcircle’s trust empowers me to excel remotely and fosters collaboration. Remote work has enriched my life in countless ways, and I’m truly grateful for it.”

Jacqueline Dawe – Coach Coordinator

“Since joining Marketcircle, I’ve enjoyed location independence. From my home office to cafes and even moving across Canada to be closer to the ocean, I embrace the remote work culture. This flexibility allows me variety and adventure while growing my career. Plus, as a dog mom, I cherish the extra time with her. And she, too, loves the benefits of remote work- getting to be my office assistant and coming along when I take my stretch breaks to walk around the block.”

Megan Roininen – Operations Manager

“I get to choose my office every day. Coffee shop with co-workers one day, soak up the sun in the backyard the next. Changing up my setting allows me to work where I feel most inspired and productive. Plus, you can’t beat the opportunity to start a Monday in pjs.”

Through the first-hand accounts of our team members, we have witnessed the transformative power of remote work, including improved work-life balance, enhanced productivity, and a more comfortable and personalized work environment.

Wrapping Up

Marketcircle’s commitment to a remote-first culture has been a catalyst for growth, innovation, and personal fulfillment. As we continue to champion the advantages of remote work, we invite you to explore the possibilities it holds for your own organization and embrace the future of work, where flexibility, connection, and balance converge to create a more fulfilling work experience for all.

About the author: Thanny Schmitz is a seasoned copywriter and content strategist passionate about technology and entrepreneurship. With over a decade of experience, Thanny has been behind insightful articles and blogs that inform and spark meaningful conversations within the ever-evolving spheres of tech and small business success.

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