Remote Job Opportunities Dwindle as Return to Office Mandates Increase

The demand for remote jobs has surged as large companies order employees back to the office, resulting in fierce competition and making it increasingly difficult to find remote positions. Only 9% of job postings on LinkedIn last month were fully remote, down from a peak of 21% in March 2022, yet remote listings attracted nearly half of all applications. Factors driving the crunch include companies listing new job openings as in-person or hybrid, and a slowdown in the tech industry. Desperate job seekers are accepting pay cuts and lower-level positions, enrolling in certification programs, and facing demoralizing searches. The few remaining employers offering remote jobs are overwhelmed by the surge of interest, while small startups benefit from less competition. The competition for remote roles is expected to intensify as more companies enforce return-to-office mandates.