Work-from-home: 92 million jobs to be done remotely by 2030

The World Economic Forum and digital technology consultants Capgemini have released a new white paper that projects that by 2030, an astounding 92 million jobs—up from the current 73 million—will be performed entirely remotely.

Remember that the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a systemic change in the way that work is done, introducing the idea of working from home (WFH) to millions of people and organisations.

"These new ways of working offer benefits if managed effectively," the 'Realising the Potential of Global Digital Jobs' white paper said.

The report claims that while the development of technologies such as cloud computing, video conferencing, and artificial intelligence has made cross-border collaboration easier and remote work more feasible than before, the revolution is not limited to the number of remote workers.
According to the white paper, lower-middle-income countries will increasingly host individuals with the necessary skills and qualifications for these digital jobs, creating opportunities for those countries to bridge their skills gaps by accessing a global talent pool.

As stated in the paper, "The Executive Opinion Survey of the World Economic Forum compiles the opinions of more than 10,000 executives regarding the availability of people with different skills abroad."

Numerous industries, including accounting, legal, finance, IT services, healthcare, marketing, advertising, communications, and cybersecurity, are highlighted in the report as excellent candidates for remote work.
The transition to remote work is not without its difficulties, though. The white paper provides a framework for dealing with the ethical, professional, and technical challenges that face companies trying to hire remote digital workers.

In certain areas, getting access to corporate hardware and fast internet is still difficult.

The study points out that while allowing employees to use their own devices is one way to address the hardware issue, only 38% of households in some nations, like Nigeria, own a computer. This suggests that government assistance may be necessary to boost computer ownership.

According to the white paper, "public-private partnerships can help mobilise resources and expertise and share the financial burden." Investing in high-speed internet infrastructure is also essential.

The paper also warns remote workers about the dangers of work-life balance problems and downward wage pressure. It states that "it's critical to ensure the global digital workforce is targeted towards attracting talent rather than saving costs in order to ensure fair wages on the employer side."
The report suggests that "promoting an inclusive work environment through initiatives such as career support and encouraging community engagement is decisive for nurturing employee wellbeing and satisfaction" as a means of fostering a healthy work-life balance.