Exploring your options: In-person, hybrid, and remote tech jobs

The COVID pandemic created a range of changes – some that were limited to a certain time period, and others that persist today. For many, the list of lasting changes includes differences in how they work.

This is the case for many tech workers and software developers. They’re great candidates for remote tech jobs and hybrid work environments because their responsibilities, including coding and debugging new applications, can be completed from anywhere with a good internet connection. Some studies show that upwards of 85% of developers work in fully remote or hybrid environments. That number has grown exponentially since 2020.

So, what’s it like to work as a professional software developer in a fully remote or hybrid work environment? And what’s it like to be a developer working 100% in person? In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of each work style as a way of looking into the shifting tech job landscape.

In-Person: The Most Traditional Way to Work 

In-person is the most traditional form of work, and while some think of working from home as the dream scenario, there are clear benefits to working in an office.

According to the Harvard Business Review, there are tangible benefits to working in groups of people in a physical setting. For one, there’s serendipity.

“The physical workplace enables moments of serendipity that can move projects along. You might bump into a colleague while thinking about a problem and ask a question that leads to a new and surprising solution,” they write, as just one example of the possible benefits of having unplanned interactions with coworkers.

In-person work also helps you avoid Zoom fatigue, makes it easier to be part of the company culture, and improves collaboration, which enhances team and individual performance.

But most of all, working in person with others “reinforces the sense that you share a common mission,” according to the article. That can go a long way toward creating meaningful work.

Fully Remote Tech Jobs: A New(ish) Way to Work

Remote work was growing before 2020, but COVID slammed the gas pedal on this trend. According to a report from Techopedia, 7% of paid work days in 2019 were worked remotely. By March of 2024, the rate was 28%. Before the pandemic, Statistica showed that 17% of employees worked remotely five or more days a week. As of now, it’s 44%.

It’s easy to assume that remote work is a modern invention, but that’s not necessarily true. Another article in the Harvard Business Review reports that work-from-home policies began in the 1970s when soaring fuel prices made commuting expensive. People were allowed to work from their homes, co-working spaces, and even community locations like coffee shops and libraries.

With current technology, working remotely is far easier. This creates greater flexibility, the ability to work well with others virtually, and more control over your time. Sometimes, it can lead to increased productivity, too. According to a recent Future of Work Report, “with fewer disruptions and more flexible schedules, developers have been more productive during work hours…while working remotely.”

A stronger work-life balance, less time and stress commuting to the office, and greater autonomy are all benefits of fully remote work.

Hybrid: Best of Both Worlds?

The hybrid work structure combines in-person and remote work. For many, this presents a good balance, delivering benefits of both. While there’s no one-size-fits-all hybrid strategy – and companies will structure their policies how they see fit – this type of work usually includes a few days in the office and a few days working from home during a given week.

With a hybrid structure, employees can gain a sense of in-person community and collaboration while maintaining more control of their schedules and where they spend their days. This combination is a popular form of work among software developers, allowing them to feel connected, productive, and in control of their work-life balance.

Reports indicate that thanks to fully remote and hybrid work, the overall developer experience is improving, with no drop in productivity, fewer late nights, and a better work-life balance overall.

Interested in software development?

With the help of our career coaches, Tech Elevator graduates work remotely, in hybrid settings, and fully in person. They’ve found tech job opportunities that work for them. If you’re interested in exploring a career in software development, get started by taking your free aptitude test!

 

Written by Vinny Sanfillipo,
Senior Director, Career Development