If you’re like me, your first experience with remote work may have come as a result of the pandemic.  Back in March, 2020, so many of us who were fortunate to hold positions that could be done remotely, were cast into this new world of virtual meetings, team chats, excessive amounts of emailing, and even a return to talking on the phone!  I was serving at the time as a university administrator, and while my work translated fairly easily, others within my organization had a tougher road.  More than two years later now, the benefits of remote work – even with its inherent challenges – have been realized on a large scale and remote work, in some form, is here to stay!

So many tools and resources have sprung up as a result of the major and rapid shift to remote work.  A particularly thoughtful, well-constructed, and easily accessible course focused on succeeding in the remote work environment is now being offered through the Purdue Center for Regional Development/Purdue Extension Community Development.  This 4-week certification was initially developed as part of Utah State University’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) but has extended across the country through partnerships like the one with Purdue.

Recently, a young colleague of mine at MakeMyMove (

) and I took the course to experience it firsthand and gauge its value for various audiences.  The two of us graduated from college roughly four decades apart – he is an early-career professional and I am in an “encore” career.  That mirrors the age and experience spectrum of the new remote workforce and gave us a glimpse as to how helpful the Purdue course would be to a range of participants.

The course is on-line and four weeks in duration.  There’s a $199 one-time fee to participate, which opens up an ongoing line of resources (virtual career fairs, presentations on relevant topics, ability to join a network of remote workers, etc.) once the course is over.  Those who successfully complete the curriculum gain a certificate that can become part of the credentials they share with prospective employers.  The time commitment is estimated at about seven hours a week.  Only one of those hours is at a set time for a mandatory interactive weekly workshop.  There is also a brief “team exercise” that occurs midway through the course and involves working with a few other participants with whom you are matched to complete a short assignment as a group.  Otherwise, you are free to make your way through the nine modules.

The topics covered include:  framing your workday, communication, workflow, productivity and time management, working in teams, compliance issues (information security, risk prevention. etc.), and critical thinking.  There is also time spent on investigating “virtual careers” and learning how to develop your own remote job.  Many of these topics are the basics of professionalism in any work setting, but it is enlightening to explore the nuances of how they apply remotely as opposed to in an in-person setting.  Within the context of these subject areas, the course introduces and has you actively using the essential tools of remote work.  You are required to test the speed of your home WiFi, to engage in team communication through Slack, and to use Trello or Google docs for tracking workflow and developing timelines.

Each module has some interactive components that allow for you to test your knowledge acquisition along the way by utilizing video, games, and other methods that hold your attention.  One of my favorite components is the periodic interviews of CEOs and HR professionals with fully-remote companies navigating some of the shared challenges and opportunities presented by a “distributed” workforce.  Their insights are timely and applicable to both individuals and organizations on the whole.  There are also assignments to be completed and submitted each week.  They are not onerous or time consuming but are constructed in a way that makes them both practical and effective.  The grading/feedback from coordinators happens quickly and they are available to help as needed.

In the end, both my colleague and I found the course beneficial, but in different ways.  He has a facility already (as most young graduates do) with the technology that makes remote work possible, so much of that focus was pretty basic for him.  We both enjoyed the interaction with our coordinator, who works with the Purdue Extension Service, and with other participants who we met during the interactive workshops and breakout sessions.  There were participants from all four time zones, from many different fields, and at different points on their career path.  Quite a few were taking the course to better prepare themselves for entering the remote workforce in some capacity, and their needs/questions were different from those of us with at least some remote work experience.  They were perhaps the segment of participants best served by the totality of what was offered, but there was something to be learned by all!

If you are interested in adding to your arsenal of “remote work ready” skills, a fan of lifelong learning, or simply seeking opportunities to connect with the growing community of remote workers globally, this will be time well spent.  Check out what Purdue has to offer: 

https://pcrd.purdue.edu/remoteworkcertificate

A thoughtful, well-constructed, and easily accessible course focused on succeeding in the remote work environment is now being offered through the Purdue Center for Regional Development/Purdue Extension Community Development.  Check out our review of this 4-week certification was initially developed as part of Utah State University’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) but has extended across the country through partnerships like the one with Purdue.


Become a More Effective Remote Worker: Our Review of a Remote Work Certificate Program

Remote work has revolutionized what many people look for when it comes to their careers. Working remotely comes with a slew of benefits that in-office work simply cannot offer. If you are part of the population that has been avoiding remote work so far, these 10 perks might change your mind.

To start this exercise, I did what most people in the world do when they have questions: I Googled (yes, it’s recognized as a verb by the dictionary) “benefits of remote work” and opened the top 10 articles discussing the benefits of remote workers. I then went through all of them and wrote down how many of them brought up each benefit, and ranked them by number of mentions. As a remote worker, I decided I am qualified to let my preferences break ties.

When your commute can be a short walk to your desk instead of a drive to the office, you cut down on pollution. Less traffic means fewer emissions, leading to improved air quality and less pollution. While it is true that just one person changing from in-person to remote work does not make a big impact, the work-from-home movement has enough participants to have a significantly positive environmental influence. Choosing to work from home makes you part of this noble process, and helps us all breathe a little easier.

Exercise and a balanced diet are especially important for remote workers, since they tend to be sedentary. Working at home makes it easier to make healthy food choices and gives you more time to exercise. It is also possible to semi-passively slip in exercise throughout the day by using equipment like an exercise band or pull-up bar at your office door. You might also consider a standing desk, which is a healthier alternative to the traditional setup.

Working from home also reduces your exposure to germs. You no longer have to worry about sickness being passed around on public transportation or in the office. This advantage is especially valuable in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When workers are not centralized in one location, office politics and drama tend to die out. Conversations are much more intentional in remote environments, because they must be carried out over chats, emails, and calls. This kind of communication also makes problem resolution less intimidating. It is much easier to simply send your boss an email about an issue than it is to sit down across from their desk behind a closed door. Therefore, remote work tends to allow a greater number and variety of new ideas.

When working from home, you can create your own personalized workspace. You can set the temperature to be as cool or warm as you want, decorate however you want, have as many accessories as you want, and never have to worry about justifying any unconventional preferences. Instead of trying to get comfortable in a mass-produced, off-white cubicle, you get to create a work environment that helps you flourish.

Remote workers are generally happier and less stressed than their in-office counterparts. This is partly due to a combination of other factors on this list, but also, when away from the office, you don’t have to put up with the annoyances that come with it. You avoid the stress of commuting, and. You can dress and express yourself however you want.

You also get to enjoy the amenities and comfort of your own home. There’s no need to pack a lunch or contend with fridge bandits; you can snack as you please, and you can use your own appliances and dishes (no more smelly fish in the shared microwave). Away from the kitchen, you get your own private bathroom. Pet lovers also get to enjoy the company of their furry/feathery/scaly companions.

Commuting can be surprisingly expensive, especially with the higher gas prices of recent times. Driving back and forth between work and home every day also puts a lot of miles on your vehicle, leading to more frequent repairs and a decreased vehicle lifespan. And, if your office is in a busy city, parking may not be free, which can be a huge financial drain.

Commuting and in-office work also encourage drive-through food and drinks much more than working from home does. Restaurant stops do not cost much, but the expenses can quickly add up with frequent visits. When your bedroom is your office and your kitchen is your break room, you are much more likely to eat the less expensive (and healthier) grocery store food instead of taking trips to restaurants.

Remote workers can also save money on clothes. Because work-from-home companies often have a more relaxed culture than in-office companies, remote workers often do not have to buy “business” attire. A presentable shirt usually suffices for video meetings, and the rest of the time you can wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.

Working remotely does not just mean working from home; you can mix up the location to have more variety in your work life. In addition to your house, you can spend the day at the library, a coffee shop, or anywhere else with free Wi-Fi. If you have an internet hotspot, your options open up even more, allowing you to work in parks and other unconventional locations. There are other choices too, such as coworking spaces, but they may cost money to use. Another great aspect of working from anywhere is that it allows you to make your home wherever you want, be that a beautiful countryside, a region with a particularly low cost of living, or even a roaming RV or van.

Not working in an office also means you can work on the go. If you have to attend to personal tasks, you may be able to make some work progress along the way. A remote arrangement also makes arranging vacations much easier, as you can simply bring your work with you if there is a schedule conflict.

In an office, people can barge into your workspace whenever they want. When you work remotely, they have to send messages or call you. This makes any interruptions less disruptive and less frequent. Micromanagement decreases in a remote environment for the same reason, and a more hands-off style of leadership lets you approach work with the methods that work best for you. When you have peace and quiet, you will probably find that you tend to be more productive.

Many remote jobs support a flexible schedule that allows you to work whenever you want, without mandatory start and end times (aside from scheduled meetings). Performance is judged by outcomes and/or hours worked, not when they work those hours. This lets you schedule your work around your life, not the other way around. You can take breaks (and even naps) whenever you want, and take care of personal tasks when most convenient.

The best part of working remotely is arguably the time you save. Time is the most valuable resource, and the pursuit of other resources almost always ultimately leads to the gaining of more time. Not having to go to the office means you don’t have to spend your valuable time on a get-ready-to go routine and a commute that can last an hour or more, just for one leg of the trip. This savings usually equates to 1-3 extra hours in the day that can be used for family, friends, hobbies, sleep, relaxation, exercise and anything else you want.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/348743/seven-u.s.-white-collar-workers-still-working-remotely.aspx

https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/15-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-remote-work

https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/benefits-of-remote-work/

https://about.gitlab.com/company/culture/all-remote/benefits/

https://www.wework.com/ideas/professional-development/management-leadership/benefits-of-working-remotely

https://fortune.com/2021/04/17/remote-work-home-hybrid-model-future/

https://www.lumapps.com/digital-workplace/benefits-of-working-remotely/

https://himalayas.app/advice/remote-work-benefits

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/benefits-of-working-remotely

https://www.usemultiplier.com/blog/benefits-of-remote-working

https://www.spica.com/blog/remote-work-advantages-disadvantages

https://escalla.co.uk/blog-remote-working-5-benefits-challenges/

Top 10 Benefits of Working Remotely

I used to wake long before sunrise, gingerly stepping from bedroom to bathroom to kitchen, trying my hardest to keep little children asleep while I readied myself for work. Once they opened their eyes, all time disappeared, and the mad race toward daycare and the office would begin. I do not remember a single day when I won that race. I’m guessing few parents do; the shuffle between work and home so often feels like a predetermined loss on both sides.

But today, like many days now, I wake relatively rested in the glow of early morning sunlight, grab a pair of jeans from the bathroom floor, throw my hair in a Mom bun, and stack plastic plates high with homemade muffins. I reheat yesterday’s coffee on my way out the door, four little boys with full bellies and backpacks trailing behind me.

When I arrive home an hour later, school drop off complete, I am itching to start my work day. The house is quiet as I flip open my laptop and log on to that first meeting. From my office, I can clearly hear the buzz of the washing machine reminding me to switch loads between emails. Around lunchtime, I pull a package of chicken from the freezer, place it in the crockpot, and toss in the remaining ingredients for our dinner tonight. I whip up another batch of muffins since our current stockpile is quickly fading, then microwave leftovers and move my computer to the dining room table. I eat lunch while plugging away at an article due by the end of the business day.

There is a knock on the door a little after 2 o’clock. I greet the gentleman who has come to pump our septic tank. I open the garage up, show him to the backyard, and return to my edits. An hour later, I hear another knock and hand him a check. Thirty more minutes and I’ll need to leave to get the kids. I’ll take my last call of the day from the car as I sit in the dreaded (but now more productive) pick-up line.

 indicates that 57% of employees say working independently in a remote location is more productive and a majority feel like they think more creatively when they are remote. I certainly find that to be true as I surprise myself by hitting deadlines, all while taking breaks to switch over laundry or throw dishes in the dishwasher.

These days, I am able to work from home until 5:15 and still be ready to cheer on one of our four boys at football or soccer practice by 5:30. Gone are the days I would have to be out of the office a few minutes before 5 to make it to kid activities. And if truth be told, I would have spent a portion fo that evening wrestling with guilt for being the first person to leave the office. Regardless of how our evenings are spent, whether it’s going for a walk together or snuggling up around the TV, these after-business hours together were rare before the gift of work-from-home entered our lives. Now, with life’s mundane tasks checked off our list intermittently throughout the work week, we are able to consistently rely on this time each evening to connect and recharge.

Few things have done more to help lighten the load of employed parents than the shift to remote work. With more and more companies deciding to loosen the reigns and allow employees to trade in-office hours for at-home convenience, parents have begun flocking to jobs offering increased flexibility and understanding for working Moms, Dads, and caregivers.

These folks with full-time careers outside the home have struggled to keep up for years, most especially mothers, who often have to carry the weight of both the working world and their entire family upon weary shoulders. A 9-hour work day with any kind of commute or after-hours obligations, leaves little time left for babies (or big kids) waiting at home. Raising children is hard enough without feeling like you spend all day long on a treadmill.

We’ll be talking about how remote job opportunities has improved the quality of life of professionals for a long time. We’ve been given the gift of time, time to be productive and time to breathe. These two seemingly disconnected things could not be more dependent upon one another. When parents are provided the space to accomplish necessary household tasks, the hours dedicated to work are more sharply focused, given that life’s daily stressors have already been handled. Weekends and holidays become periods of relaxation instead of hours reserved for all those things lying in wait on an ever-growing to-do list.

The added flexibility of even one or two “work from home” days brings a noticeable change to a caregiver’s typical work week. With decreased commuting times comes less burn out, less expense, and less stress trying to get from the office to a kid’s soccer practice on time. Parents who previously had to shell out hundreds of dollars in after-school care are now home to welcome their kids off of the bus themselves. Entire lunch hours reserved for running errands can instead be used for their intended purpose – eating lunch (and maybe busting through a few emails between bites). Lunch is a good thing. Hangry and highly effective do not go hand in hand.

Our crew at MakeMyMove, many of us remote workers ourselves, believe it is worthwhile to take inventory of everything the past few years has taught us in terms of what priorities are truly important. The long list of “office” tasks easily accomplished from the comfort of our homes or community spaces like libraries and shared work environments has done wonders to help us reset our eyes upon those things in life that matter most – each other. And while a global pandemic can hardly be seen as advantageous, it would be nearsighted to ignore the benefits that followed in its wake. For countless full-time employees with families at home, the migration to remote working opportunities likely sits right at the very top of that relatively short list:

Remote work supports the wellbeing of employees, as told by a full-time marketing professional and mom. 

Remote Work: A Working Parent Reflection

Whether you are a hiring manager or a remote worker looking to improve your effectiveness, we have compiled a list of the traits of highly effective "work from home" team members. 

High quality communication is key in remote work. Projects are often worked on asynchronously, and coworkers are often separated by great distances. Nobody can stroll over to a teammate’s desk to ask a question or give instructions. Therefore, communication for remote work needs special attention.

Organization: Remote communication is clumsier than in-person communication, even during video meetings, and especially over email. Messy communication results in confusion, frustration, and wasted time, so it is crucial to be organized and clear. No one wants to be talked over in a meeting, or receive a solid wall of text whose message meanders among semi-related ideas before reaching a questionable conclusion (followed by “Sent from my iPhone”). Such messages can be ineffective and often require unnecessary work from the reader. A concise string of thoughts organized logically into paragraphs that support the main idea is much more effective and reader-friendly than a hastily-banged-out email can ever hope to be.

Responsiveness: In personal life, it is usually fine to respond to messages hours after receiving them. However, when working remotely, it is important to have a greater sense of urgency. Coworker messages are often questions about how to proceed, requests for help, or instructions for a task. Especially when there are multiple time zones involved, delayed responses can cause more trouble than is immediately obvious. Responding quickly allows others to continue their own work unimpeded, and/or have peace of mind that their directions have been read and understood.

Clarification: Unfortunately, remote communication is not as rich as in-person communication. Because of this, it is harder to tell if someone is confused, has questions, or needs help. Therefore, remote workers should give extra care to keeping everyone on the same page. After talking about complex concepts, givers of communication should ask if the receivers have any questions or concerns. Receivers should be open and honest, and not afraid to ask for help or ask questions, even later in the day, week, or month. Potentially looking silly for a moment to get on the right track is well worth it. Otherwise, the final product of the receivers’ work may be unhelpful or late (which is much worse for reputations).

Whether it’s a formal affair involving a slideshow and leadership team, or just a routine report meeting, the ability to give a good presentation is vital for many professionals. In addition to conveying important information, it demonstrates that the presenter “knows their stuff” and is a competent, valuable member of the organization.

Preparation: The best presentations are those which see success before the meeting even starts, in the preparation stage. The presenter should begin assembling and studying their information far enough in advance that they have enough time to create a cohesive and organized presentation. If the presenter prepares and organizes their information with the audience in mind, they will be able to convey even unfamiliar and complex concepts. 

Visual Aids: They should be easy to read, have high image quality, and not use any distracting colors or typefaces. The presenter should make their visual aids far enough ahead of time that they can review and proofread them before the presentation.

Practice: After the information is assembled and visual aids are finalized, it may make sense to practice the presentation. For short or routine presentations, this step can probably be skipped, but for momentous occasions, such as speeches, group orientations, and meetings with high-ranking people, the presenter should practice their presentation at least once. Practicing in an empty video meeting or while looking in a mirror allows the presenter to see themself and how well they are delivering the information.

Delivery: If the presenter was diligent in the preparation stage, they should be primed and ready when it is time to actually give the presentation. By this point, they should be so familiar with their ideas that they can worry less about remembering what to say, and focus more on how they are coming across. The presenter should be dressed and groomed appropriately (at least on the top half of their body that the camera will see). Their background should be tidy and devoid of anything distracting. If the presenter chooses to use a virtual background instead, it should not be distracting either. The camera should be at about face level. During the presentation, the presenter should maintain good posture and look into the camera, not at their screen. This may feel unnatural, but it will make them seem more personable and focused. The presenter should speak calmly and clearly, only use professional language, and try to avoid filler words (“like,” ”um,” ”uh,” etc.). At the end, the presenter should ask their audience if they have any questions.

Overcoming Work Challenges: Remote work necessitates adaptability and flexibility because when colleagues are spread apart, coordination is not quite as smooth as when everyone is in the same place. Therefore, remote workers should expect the occasional misunderstanding or unexpected change of plans, and be prepared to maintain a positive and productive mindset when such challenges arise. Employees that are able to roll with the punches and stay open to evolving their work style will more easily reach their full potentials than employees that resist change.

Overcoming Personal Challenges: Being adaptable as a remote worker can also be personally beneficial. Life outside of work can be messy and chaotic, but those who can be focused in unusual places and circumstances can stay on top of work responsibilities while also putting out personal fires. For example, just being able to work while riding in the passenger seat or in the school pickup line opens up lots of possibilities for unconventional productivity.



When working remotely, employees are not supervised like they are in an office, and if at home, the more familiar environment can lead to a detrimental blurring of the line that separates work life and home life. Because of this, it can be challenging to stay on task. Family members, personal interests, and the internet’s ocean of distractions are much more accessible while away from the office.

Work Environment: Effective strategies for staying focused differ from person to person, but the right auditory experience and the right surroundings are two of the biggest factors. Background music is helpful for some, but distracting for others. Some people like to mute their phone notifications, but others do not mind them. Some people like going to a coffee shop or park to work. Some people like to have a dedicated spot at home where they consistently work. Still others frequently change up where they go for the day. It is all about finding what works best personally.

Time Management: The Adaptability section mentions working on the go. This can be done well, but it can also be done poorly. Time management is one of the most important tools for being an effective remote worker. By planning time blocks and sticking to them, and making up any work that is left over at the end of the day, remote workers can attain a positive integration of their work and personal lives instead of a detrimental mix-up.

How many Zoom meetings involve audio malfunctions? Remote workers must have basic technical skills in order to succeed in a digital work environment. They must be proficient with a personal computer, and likely a cell phone. Additionally, they must be effective with the software and applications their company uses. They should know basic troubleshooting techniques, be able to resolve low-level technical difficulties, and be able to contact support if the problems are beyond their ability to solve. It also never hurts to ask a support group! 

Good judgment brings the other five points together and fills in the cracks. It is an umbrella term in this context, describing the mixture of common sense and professionalism. It means being polite and positive around others, not burdening coworkers with personal drama, having integrity, putting in due effort at work, and generally trying to be a valuable asset to the organization instead of a detriment. It entails taking pride in one’s self-presentation and work, and revealing values through personal conduct.

Here at MakeMyMove, we love to support remote workers and everyone living either full or partial WFH life. From tips on getting more done in a day at your home office, to exploring communities offering relocation incentives, we're here to support a growing community of remote workers. 

Discover what work from home companies look for in remote worker hires. 

The 6 Characteristics of the Most Effective Remote Workers

Committed to remote work and eyeing relocation, remote workers are giving up water cooler talk, craving community where they live.

A national survey of remote workers conducted in July 2022 found that remote workers remain strongly committed to their work-from-anywhere lifestyle and are open to moving to improve their quality of life.

“My state is one of the most expensive states with the absolute highest taxes so while I love the area, I don’t know that I can continue to live here and have any kind of quality of life.”

As many as 23 million remote workers say they could move more than 2 hours away in the next 12 months and more than half (53%) think it would be a fairly easy process.

Younger remote workers are more mobile — 29% of 18-24 year olds and 24% of 25-34 year olds say they are “very likely” to move more than 2 hours away in the next 12 months compared to 14% of 45-54 year olds and 13% of 55-64 year olds.

More than half (56%) of remote workers say they would be better off living someplace else, a sentiment that is stronger among remote workers under 35 (60%) and remote workers with children (58%).

Even as pandemic fears ebb, the desire to work from home remains strong. More than half (61%) of remote workers rate the freedom to work from home as very important and 27% rate it as somewhat important.

Our research found that remote workers are more likely to be younger, highly educated, and higher income. These workers are confident in the demand for their skill sets. Nearly 3 out of 4 (74%) said that they could easily find a new job if needed.

What do the remote workers want in their communities?

To determine what remote workers want in a new community, Bellweather Research tested 37 attributes – ranging from cultural and social dynamics to infrastructure and pocketbook issues – that could play a part in considering where to move. From these, we identified a handful of table stakes that were most important to all remote workers – 

cost-of-living, safety, reliable high-speed Internet and high quality medical care.

 After these “must-haves,” the following attributes rose to the top:


 Remote workers value a connection with their community, including personal and professional friendships, and (for some) being closer to extended family.

 Remote workers desire more open and green space for living and recreational opportunities.

 Some remote workers (those with children) value access to quality K-12 while younger remote workers are interested in higher education opportunities.

“The community we currently live in is very busy with heavy traffic during peak times. The houses available do not have large yards or space. We are interested in relocating to an area that gives us a larger yard, more privacy and less traffic.”

These quieter, quality-of-life attributes were ranked much higher than those requiring major infrastructure investment such as proximity to an airport, public transportation, or a vibrant downtown area. This could be good news for small towns that are known for their hospitality, affordability, safety, peaceful scenery, larger single-family houses and yards.

What do the youngest remote workers want in their communities?

Like all remote workers, Gen Z and Millennials prioritize cost-of-living and safety while also expressing a desire for community connection. After that, their unique values begin to emerge. As the most racially diverse generation in our country's history, Gen Z workers value racial diversity in a community, as well as access to women's reproductive/abortion care - the only cohort for whom these are top considerations; they also appreciate culture (art, music, museums) and job opportunities to help advance their careers.

Millennials - the oldest of whom are now 40 years old - are focused on finances, low local taxes, and a $5,000 relocation incentive. This generation also puts a high priority on access to education, for themselves and their children.

Bellwether Research conducted a representative survey of 

. The full sample was balanced to approximate a target sample of adults in the United States based on Census (CPS 2020)  proportions broken out by age, gender, race, educational attainment, Hispanic ethnicity and Geographic Census region. Weights were applied using iterative proportional fitting (raking) to approximate marginal distributions. Data was weighted for respondents that provided responses to all demographic weighting variables. After weighting, responses were filtered based on remote work status. 

Total sample size of remote workers = 1,024. 

Crosstab percentages are weighted proportions while N-sizes for the total sample and sub samples are unweighted. Respondents had the opportunity to take the survey on their mobile phone, computer, or tablet. Due to rounding and weighting, percentages may or may not equal 100%. The margin of sampling error for the full poll is +/- 2%. The margin of error for full-time remote workers is +/- 3%. Margin of sampling errors do not include design effect adjustments and can be approximated1/sqrt(N)

is a survey-based research technique used to quantify how important a given item is relative to others in a given list. A MaxDiff question shows respondents a set of items, asking them to choose what is most and least important, and iterated multiple times with random sets of options. When the results are displayed, each item is scored, indicating the order of preference across all respondents. MaxDiff, short for maximum difference scaling, is sometimes referred to as best-worst scaling.

The MakeMyMove 2022 Remote Worker Survey set out to understand how committed remote workers are to remaining remote, how many remote workers are likely to move, and what they're looking for in a new community.

Remote Worker Survey Results, 2022

Schitt’s out there. Let us help you find it.

If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that life is too short (and days are too long) to be stuck in a place that you don’t love. Once our doors clicked shut and the world went quiet, we were forced to contemplate what we left behind. The months that followed helped us determine whether or not we missed any of it. Some of us discovered we were exactly where we belonged, while others realized their home sweet home wasn’t really that sweet. Pandemics have an uncanny way of putting everything into perspective, especially once you’ve hit your seventh Schitt’s Creek marathon. There’s just so darn much growth in those Roses. Could anyone really excavate their best selves just by landing in the right zip code?

As we race into the second half of yet another year, it may be time to ask ourselves if there really is something better out there. Are there delicious fruit wines just waiting to be discovered? Smalltown renditions of Cabaret to be seen? If so, what are we still doing here? Because in the ever-wise words of Moira Rose, “Who knows what will befall us tomorrow? You could be hit by a Mack truck or bopped on the head by a tiny piece of space debris.”

How do we find our own little haven of self-discovery? Sometimes all you need is a good connection. At MakeMyMove, we work to introduce quirky towns across America to just-right residents looking for a new place to call home. With the mass exodus from traditional 9-to-5’s to remote work opportunities, eager talent are reevaluating their surroundings, and some of them aren’t loving what they see. Every day, more and more of these highly qualified folks are deciding to set out in search of community and a change of scenery, especially those thinking about settling down to have a “bébé.”

And family-friendly neighborhoods aren’t the only draws to small-town living. With costs on the rise, city kids are questioning if that downtown life is worth the price. Quaint, more remote towns offer a lot more for a lot less; people who could barely afford to rent a studio in the city are able to purchase their very own home once they reach one of our partnering communities. Furthermore, in these smaller towns, outdoor spaces are plentiful should another global pandemic strike (or God forbid, you have to do a temporary stint at the local motel with your family).

Will there be a Café Tropical? A Blouse Barn? A delightfully swanky apothecary run by two beautiful boyfriends? Not exactly. We can’t promise you the Roses’ favorite hang-outs, but we can promise you your very own. Each of these select communities comes to the table with their individual sense of style, welcoming residents, and plenty of delicious diners. We’re certain you’ll find a corner booth and a cup of coffee that feels just like home. Simpler, small-town life 

 exist, and it exists in more places than you ever imagined.

Home of Oklahoma State University and the birthplace of Red Dirt music culture, 

 is a world away from stale. The music scene is vibrant and raw, pouring out of live venues all across town. Anyone looking for a good beer and real conversation will find exactly what they crave.

“We have all of the things that make it feel like a vibrant and culturally diverse city, but at the same time, it feels like any other small hometown in the middle of the U.S. We kind of get the best of both worlds,” says local business owner, Bobby Wintle. Spark your interest? Request your free copy of the 

. Then, cowboy up and book your trip to check it out. 

Oklahoma not quite your vibe? Try your luck on another midwestern college town with 

. Lots of cool cats have called this fly-over city home – Garfield, David Letterman, and Bob Ross to name a few. The Muncie native even filmed his iconic PBS painting show here. Maybe you’ll uncover your own inspiration inside this surprising pop culture hot spot. Mmmm…love that journey for you.

The city also serves as the setting for cult classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Parks and Recreation. The Midwest isn’t as boring as you’ve been told. It’s got snarky felines, space aliens, and public officials with genius comedic timing. What more could you want? 

If that still doesn’t do the trick, how does a breezy stroll through New England sound? 

 might be just what you need to brush off the concrete heat and layer of smog wrecking your current city view. Ew, David.

The smallest state capital in America with a population just above 8,000 residents, Montpelier oozes laidback charm while still offering the sophistication of the big city. With an influential farm to table culture, picturesque sugar shacks, and the everyday business of state government, this small but mighty city should not be overlooked. Boasting the New England Culinary Institute and cozy cafes with fresh and creative fare, it is easy to understand why (and to subsequently not miss it at all) this is the only U.S. capital without a McDonald’s. 

Are you a Yankee by address, but a Southerner at heart? Then, head to The Shoals. Comprised of four connected yet distinctly unique towns – Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia – this community is nestled along the banks of the Tennessee River with plenty of waterfront real estate up for grabs. Imagine how much calmer the Roses would have been with a river view.

 has a rich and layered music history and is even featured in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legendary southern rock anthem. The highly acclaimed 

 still stands there today as a hub of southern sound. It’s not quite the Jazzagals, but it’s a start.

Additionally, residents and visitors alike can tour the Florence Indian Mound & Museum as well as Tom’s Wall, a tribute from a son to his mother. This impressive stone wall is actually the longest of its kind in the States and is heralded as the largest memorial in the world to honor a Native American woman. There is nothing small-town about that. 

Not quite ready to grow up? Remote workers in search of an experience unlike any other could find their perfect fit in 

. With their innovative Work from Purdue program, select applicants will receive multiple benefits and financial compensation to live and work in the Discovery Park District. With access to campus resources and activities, it’s just like college…but with a paycheck. Who knows where this move might take you? American heroes, Amelia Earhart and Neil Armstrong, are products of West Lafayette, as well, so it seems the sky is the limit in northwestern Indiana. 

If one of these one-of-a-kind communities strikes your fancy, or any on the rapidly expanding 

, consider spending a night or a weekend. Take a road trip to see what your life could look like, what new neighbors await, what cute veterinarians spend their days helping puppies and searching for a receptionist. Check out our offer and apply today >>

Schitt’s Creek is not some fabrication of small-town life. It is a reflection of the potential that lies in wait for those willing to take a chance on both the unknown and themselves. What if you could dig down and tap into the truest part of you – a person unencumbered by societal expectations and materialistic nonsense, a person who dares to do something different? A whole new you is out there if you are brave enough to take that first step. In times like these, when we stand on the cusp of such infinite possibility, “One must champion oneself and say, ‘I am ready for this!'” And you might want to get on it. Patrick and Stevie won’t wait forever.

Life's too short to be stuck in a place you don't love. With a little help from us here at MakeMyMove, we can help you find you very own Schitt's Creek, a destination of your remote work dreams. 

How to Find Your Own Schitt’s Creek

Many may argue that the best parts of working remotely are the places you’ll visit, the people you’ll meet, and the incredible sense of independence you feel. But ensuring you stay comfortable, ergonomic, and efficient on your day-to-day schedule can’t happen without portability and engagement. Even with all of the  

 at some point, you’ll likely come by distractions, some fatigue, or feelings of isolation which is completely normal. When you invest in gadgets that will benefit your unique needs, no work day will feel long and exhausting. From an endless battery charge to increasing your daily comfort, these will make doing what you love even more enjoyable from anywhere in the world, even if that means beside a waterfall in nature.

Whether you’re new to the world of remote work or have experienced the joys of it for years, let’s discuss which new gadgets can make your career path most fulfilling in the long haul.

Drowning out the noisy world around you with some music is a perfect way to concentrate on doing your best work. Over-the-ear headphones are typically most satisfactory as they have considerable noise-canceling ability. If you travel a lot, you may want to consider earbuds as they are easier to carry around. In the same light, Bluetooth makes a world of a difference for you to be able to move around easier as well. With minimal distractions, especially considering a loud group of people can sit nearby at any time, headphones will bring a positive vibe to your space. Plus, listening to music while working at home has been 

shown to help many complete tasks much faster

 than those who don’t. Additionally, if you have a virtual meeting, they come in great handy in avoiding disturbing others around you.

Without a doubt, the most important component of your remote workspace is your laptop; which is why it’s crucial to ensure it’s as functional for you as it can be. When you’re working remotely, you’re going to find yourself in a

 from coffee shops to hotel rooms. No matter where you are, it’s important to make sure the environment works well for you. A

can make all the difference with comfortability as you can adjust your screen height to be just right at whatever kind of table you’re sitting at. It sets up in seconds, and looking straightforward rather than downwards at your screen for long periods of time can significantly help reduce eye strain. With the right angle, you can stay focused plus practice better virtual meeting etiquette.

Speaking of eye strain, the blue light that emits from your laptop, as well as your phone, is one of the most common factors of this symptom for remote workers. Prolonged exposure can not only cause eye strain, but blurred vision, headaches, and insomnia too. 

 are better to use than regular prescription glasses since they are designed to filter out a much higher percentage. That way you’ll know you won’t be feeling as fatigued even on those screen-heavy days. Thankfully, they don’t look any different from ordinary glasses either, so you never have to worry about switching them before a meeting.

If you type flat on your keyboard with no support, you likely may feel more tension and pressure on your wrists. An ergonomic wireless keyboard that you can adjust to your liking is a great way to instantly increase your comfort. By offering the right support to your wrists and reducing any wrist irritation, you can drastically lessen the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome in the future and reduce the rate of wear on your laptop. Pair your 

 at an aligned position and you’re bound to stay attentive for hours on end. Even with a wireless mouse and keyboard, make sure to take adequate breaks to give your fingers and wrists a rest.

The last thing you want is to leave your home and discover you don’t have the right port or cable input, and can’t plug in the device you need to use. Bringing connectivity options to your workspace, especially for remote workers and digital nomads alike, you’ll be much better equipped wherever you are. A multiport adapter hub can include common connections such as an HDMI, USB A, USB C, Ethernet, SD, and micro SD slot. Many of them have the ability to plug right into your laptop and conveniently not take up much space at all.

The places you choose to work in will likely have a good Wi-Fi connection, however, you never know when there will be interruptions. If your Wi-Fi goes out, you’ll want to consider having a wireless hot spot ready. If you have an iPhone, you may even already have a personal hot spot set up. Although, a mobile hot spot device is a better alternative to taking from your iPhone’s battery life. And don’t underestimate it's capabilities, this handy gadget can support multiple devices for hours on end at fast speeds with no issues. A mobile hot spot can always serve as a backup and allow you to be more flexible in choosing where you work. You can take this anywhere outdoors or even when traveling in between locations.

Remote workers can never have too much power for their multiple devices. If you want to boost the functionality of your overall setup, a multi-outlet surge protector combo is the most suitable solution. These together are much more reliable for protecting your devices from losing power or experiencing data loss than any plain outlet. There’s no telling when the power could go out, especially if you’re working during a thunderstorm. Consider a multi-outlet that also has USB adapters for easier use as well. If you’re going to be flying to many different countries, an international plug adapter will also come in handy when you find yourself waiting at the airport.

Whether there are countless outlets or only a couple, a power outage can still happen and you could end up with none to use. Or, you could come across a place that doesn’t have any available power sources to use. In cases like these, a 

 is a great backup option so you know you won’t have to scramble for a charge somewhere. Depending on what you need, some power banks can also charge multiple devices simultaneously from your laptop to your phone. If you have a long journey ahead of you, you can trust a power bank to keep you working the whole way.

If you’re someone who has a good amount of virtual meetings, records video or podcast content, a 1080p webcam and quality microphone is definitely a strong investment for you. The ultimate goal is to make sure your message is coming across as clearly as possible in whatever setting you find yourself in. Poor quality video or audio can make something as important as an interview look amateur and risk your chances. With crisp imagery and clear sound, you’ll be able to keep that professionalism for yourself and what you represent.

Undoubtedly, gadgets to support your technology will make remote work easy and help you dive into your career. But don’t forget about your own health along the way. One of the most common problems for people who work from home or on the go is bad posture and back pain. A posture corrector can make a world of a difference as they’re proven to assist with lower back pain, inflammation, and aches. They’re designed to keep your body in the optimal position and blend into clothing easily at your remote office. Simply wearing one for a little bit each day can improve your posture permanently just by muscle memory.

Remote careers that allow you to work from anywhere

 present a surprising amount of unexpected challenges, just as any other job can. With practical gadgets and tools like these, you’ll find it much easier to overcome any obstacles, reach your goals, and continue climbing that corporate ladder.

Whether you're working from your home office, a coffee shop, or the beach, a proper office set up can make or break your ability to get things done. Take advice from us here at MakeMyMove on the ten "must have" office essentials for remote work.

10 Must-Have Office Essentials For Working From Anywhere

We started MakeMyMove with a simple mission: to help people find their place. Over the past 18 months, we've devoted ourselves to telling the unique stories of terrific places all across the country, and building tools to help you find and connect with those local communities.  

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An important topic of late is how a lot of work has shifted from in-office to a remote capacity. It’s a trend that was happening before the coronavirus pandemic, and of course, the pandemic accelerated the trend and showed us what was possible. This is a topic to continue to pay attention to, as it’s likely to shift as some companies go back to in-person work after the pandemic while others embrace more of a remote workforce. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at remote work statistics from the past few years to give an idea of how work has been changing and where it might take us in the near future.

What we see now is that it’s possible for some companies to go fully remote. At the moment, 

 of companies throughout the world have done just that. 

 showed that globally, the number of employees likely to become remote workers was expected to increase to 32 percent by the year’s end compared to 17 percent in 2019. On the other end of the spectrum, 44 percent of global companies do not have an option for working remotely.

Of course, remote work doesn't work in all industries or positions, yet it makes sense for some that are technology-based and don’t necessarily need an in-person workspace. Modern remote work tools and technology make it possible to communicate, collaborate and manage projects from anywhere without the need for in-person meetings.

Another possibility is a hybrid model, where people work in the office for part of the week and from home (or another remote space) the rest of the time. This option has become popular as companies are transitioning back to office life after operating remotely in large part due to the pandemic.

You can see this trend through the stat that about 62 percent of workers carry out remote work at least occasionally within the 22 to 65 age group. Another way companies could create a balance is by allowing some roles to work remotely while other roles need to remain in-person due to the nature of different roles.

An interesting statistic is that 99 percent of people have the preference to work remotely for their remaining career days, even if they only have the option to do it part-time. This statistic helps to show that the pandemic was not the only driving force behind remote work.

People seek aspects like flexibility within their work lives. In fact, the top reason people choose remote work is work-life balance, and a significant number of the millennial generation (69 percent) would be willing to sacrifice certain work benefits to gain more flexibility. Not only that, a large portion of people would sacrifice their job altogether rather than give up working remotely. This breaks down to 60 percent of women and 52 percent of men who said they would leave their job and seek out a new one if they couldn’t keep working remotely.

People may be able to get their way, at least to a large extent. That’s because trends show society significantly moving in the remote work direction. Remote work statistics 2019 show that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 

telecommuting experienced a 216 percent growth rate

Not all jobs can be carried out remotely, yet a large number can, especially those that take place from a desk. Remote work even creates new possibilities compared to the past, as people can now collaborate from across the country or world, bringing people closer together than ever.

Statistics support that many job duties can be carried out from home or anywhere, as 62 percent of employees stated in a poll that they could do their work remotely. In other data, 56 percent said that their job allows at least part of the work to be carried out remotely. Even more telling is that during the pandemic’s peak, 69 percent of employees in the United States actually did work remotely. These remote work statistics 2020 support the idea that remote work is possible for most people and positions, which could pave the way for more of this type of work situation in the future.

An often-cited concern about remote work is the thought that workers will be less productive when they’re away from the office without a supervisor watching over them. Turns out, the opposite is true. Data shows that 77 percent of those working remotely report increased productivity when working from home. In addition, 75 percent say they face fewer distractions when they work remotely.

That may seem like it doesn’t make sense, since working from home can bring its own distractions like household chores, family members, hobbies, and television sets. However, it comes with the perk of being away from distracting office factors like loud colleagues, people stopping by your office to chat, and unnecessary meetings. Plus, it’s very possible to get used to working from home and to avoid distractions there through means like creating set work hours and a designated work space.

A survey found that people working remotely reported increased productivity through:

A workplace they can conform to their needs

This kind of data shows that employees do not necessarily need managers in the same workspace to be productive. In addition, 16 percent of those working remotely are managers. Plus, remote tools and technology give options for checking in, collaborating, and showing that deadlines are being met, so there is plenty of accountability.

It's not only employees who are saying they are more productive; managers agree. In 

, 32.2 percent of managers reported increased productivity associated with working from home, compared to 22.5 percent that reported decreased productivity. This research was conducted in 2020, which was during the pandemic, so it’s worth noting that reductions in productivity could also be associated with other factors like COVID-19 infection, family members at home, and the slow adoption of technology and tools for working from home.

In relation to work output, 42 percent of remote professionals carry out the same level of work as they did in-office, while 45 percent do more.

Additional research on the subject of output found an increase of 22 percent in performance when working from home, and 94 percent of employers reported the same or better productivity.

We saw above that many workers prefer working from home, but are they actually satisfied with doing so? Working remotely provides many benefits that contribute to job and life satisfaction, including:

A peaceful and adaptable work environment

Options to balance time exercising, going outside and spending time with family

Money savings by reducing costs of gas, eating out, parking and other work-related expenses

In addition, statistics on remote work found that remote workers show more happiness and longevity in their jobs. They say they are happy 22 percent more than on-site workers and they report reduced stress levels.

Employers see certain benefits from having remote workers as well. For example, they tend to have a $2,000 boost in profit per person on average. It’s also estimated that they can save $11,000 per person for half-time telecommuters each year. In addition, offering remote work helps them find the highest quality talent for a role, and workers tend to stay at the company longer and recommend the company to others.

It’s only fair to mention the potential downsides of working remotely. There are some challenges people face, including struggling to unplug and unwind from work. There may be communication issues and a lack of training. Also, some people report experiencing loneliness. Further, remote work introduces more of a cybersecurity risk compared to on-site workers. Further, some fully remote workers experience burnout, which increased during the pandemic.

Knowing the downsides of remote work can help employers and workers themselves take steps to counteract these problems. Certain tools can improve communication and collaboration, while employers can make efforts to provide increased training for remote workers. It’s also important to consider aspects like mental health and loneliness and to respond by providing supportive measures to help those who need them.

Overwhelmingly, statistics on remote work look positive. They show benefits for workers, employers, and the dynamics of work altogether. They also show a high likelihood that work will continue to become more remote as we move forward in time. This creates growing opportunities of working and collaborating across the globe like never before, all while gaining a better work-life balance.

Remote work has been a hot topic as of late and continues to be in the headlines. Here at MakeMyMove we are covering the most recent statistics on all aspects of the remote work rise in the U.S.  

Remote Work Statistics That Will Surprise You

Being able to connect and communicate from anywhere is what makes remote work possible. It’s technology that enabled people to do their jobs away from a brick-and-mortar office. Of course, remote work tools like the internet and an email address are now a given.

Being a successful remote worker involves a lot more then a good skills set. Take advice from us here at MakeMyMove on the best tools and technology to help you be a more successful remote worker. 

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