A recent report suggests that remote employees face a higher likelihood of being overlooked for promotions and salary increases compared to their counterparts in hybrid or fully on-site work arrangements. The findings from a survey conducted by ResumeBuilder.com indicate that remote workers are 24% less likely to receive promotions than their in-office peers.
The survey, which involved 1,190 full-time employees with remote work options, collected responses from 417 remote workers, 567 hybrid workers, and 206 fully in-office employees. The results revealed that only 46% of remote workers expressed interest in promotions in 2023, significantly lower than the 60% and 59% reported by in-office and hybrid workers, respectively, in the previous year.
In terms of actual promotions, only 42% of remote workers received one, contrasting with the 55% of fully on-site and 54% of hybrid employees who advanced in their careers.
Global concerns about the impact of remote work on career progression are highlighted in the report. In Singapore, 45% of university students fear bias towards in-person staff, while a Cisco survey in Canada indicates that 46% of professionals worry about limited growth opportunities for remote colleagues.
78% of remote workers claim high productivity over the past year, surpassing the percentages reported by hybrid (75%) and in-office (76%) employees.
Additionally, the survey found that remote workers trail in receiving raises, with only 67% reporting a raise in 2023, compared to 79% of on-site and 83% of hybrid employees. Among those who did receive raises, only 41% of remote workers received a 10% increase or more, lagging behind the 51% of hybrid and 52% of fully on-site employees.
Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at Resume Builder, attributes these challenges to managers grappling with adapting to the new remote work paradigm. She suggests scheduling regular meetings with managers to review progress as a way to address the issue.
Despite these hurdles, the survey uncovered that remote workers report higher levels of productivity, happiness, and reduced stress compared to their in-office counterparts. A substantial 78% of remote workers claim high productivity over the past year, surpassing the percentages reported by hybrid (75%) and in-office (76%) employees. Additionally, 85% of both remote and hybrid workers feel connected to their companies, exceeding the 81% reported by fully in-office employees.
Interestingly, the survey revealed a contrast in overall job satisfaction. Fully in-office employees reported higher stress levels and dissatisfaction, with 52% expressing intentions to seek new job opportunities this year. In contrast, 36% of remote workers and 43% of hybrid workers expressed similar inclinations.
Haller emphasizes the importance of employee happiness for retention and a thriving work environment, stating that unhappy workers are more likely to seek new positions that better align with their needs.
