Pros and Cons of Remote Work: A Guide for Modern Business Leaders

As technology continues to reshape the modern workplace, remote work has evolved from a temporary solution to a long-term strategy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2023, 35% of employed individuals worked from home on days they were on the job — a significant jump from just 24% in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped workforce norms. 

With this rise in telecommuting, organizations are reevaluating how and where work gets done. But is remote work the right fit for every company? Understanding the pros and cons can help business leaders make informed decisions as they navigate this ongoing transformation. 

The Benefits of Telecommuting

Remote work offers several advantages for both employers and employees. Here are some of the key benefits: 

1. Increased Employee Satisfaction and Retention

Flexibility is a top priority for today’s workforce. A survey by Hubstaff found that 85% of workers believe remote work helps them achieve better work-life balance. Happier employees are generally more productive and more likely to stay with their employer, reducing turnover and associated hiring costs. 

2. Significant Cost Savings

Companies with remote work policies can dramatically reduce expenses related to office space, utilities, supplies and in-office perks. Global Workplace Analytics estimates that full-time telecommuting can save employers between $11,000 and $37,000 per employee annually. 

3. Environmental Sustainability

Remote work reduces daily commutes, which helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions. One study found that if everyone who could work remotely did so just half the time, the U.S. could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54 million tons per year. 

4. Expanded Access to Talent

Offering remote options allows companies to recruit top talent beyond their immediate geographic area. This can be especially valuable for filling specialized roles or increasing workforce diversity. 

The Challenges of Telecommuting

Despite its many advantages, remote work isn’t without its drawbacks. Organizations must prepare for the following challenges: 

1. Communication and Collaboration Barriers

Virtual collaboration tools help bridge the gap, but nothing replaces the spontaneity of in-person interaction. Teams may experience delays or misunderstandings when relying solely on video calls, emails or chat platforms. 

2. Technology and Security Issues

Remote employees often lack immediate IT support. Hardware malfunctions, software updates or cybersecurity threats can lead to significant downtime or data risks if not properly managed. 

3. Time Zone Complexities

When teams are distributed across multiple time zones, coordinating meetings and workflows can be difficult. This often requires thoughtful scheduling and clear communication practices to avoid disruption. 

4. Blurring of Work-Life Boundaries

Ironically, the flexibility of remote work can lead to overwork. Without physical separation between home and office, some employees struggle to unplug, which can increase the risk of burnout and mental health issues. 

Remote Work Trends: Who’s Doing It?

While not all industries can support telecommuting, the trend continues to grow across many sectors. Younger professionals, in particular, expect flexible work arrangements as part of their employment package. A survey by Wrike found that 89% of employees consider remote work to be a highly valued benefit. 

Industry leaders are taking note. Prominent companies embracing remote or hybrid work models include: 

• Deloitte (Professional Services) 

• Cisco (Technology & Communications) 

• Intel (Technology) 

• Accenture (Consulting) 

• Teach for America (Education) 

• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) (Consulting) 

• Ultimate Software (HR Tech) 

• Perkins Coie (Law) 

• American Fidelity Assurance (Insurance) 

• World Wide Technology (IT Solutions) 

Looking ahead, projections suggest that 22% of the U.S. workforce will be working remotely by 2025. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing talent and falling behind in a competitive job market. 

Preparing for a Remote Future: The Role of Business Education

As the workplace continues to evolve, so must business leaders. Understanding how to manage remote teams, leverage digital tools and foster a collaborative virtual culture requires both experience and education. 

The University of Scranton’s MBA program is designed to equip professionals with the strategic, financial and leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s business landscape — whether managing in-person, remote or hybrid teams. 

In addition to the on-campus option, the program can also be delivered entirely online. Students gain firsthand experience navigating virtual platforms, collaborating remotely, and managing their time independently — skills that directly translate to success in remote work environments. With this flexible learning model, students can build the adaptability and digital fluency modern organizations demand. 

Learn more about how Scranton’s Master of Business Administration program can help you lead in a remote-enabled world.