A Short History of How Remote Work Became the New Normal

In recent years, remote work has evolved from a niche arrangement to a widespread norm that many of us now embrace. Attending Zoom meetings in our pyjamas or working from a cosy café gives us the flexibility to work from anywhere as remote work arrangements have become an increasingly valued part of modern life. However, this trend has deep roots that stretch back long before the internet era. For centuries, people earned a living right from their homes, whether as artisans or farmers. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that centralised workplaces and the hustle of office life became the standard.

From the early days of home-based labour to the rise of digital connectivity, understanding this evolution reveals why remote work is not just a passing trend but a fundamental shift in how we approach our careers and employment opportunities.

The Early Days of Remote Work

Believe it or not, working from home isn't a new idea. Before we had the internet, people were already doing it, especially before the Industrial Revolution. Artisans and craftspeople like bakers, seamstresses, shoemakers, potters, weavers, and blacksmiths often operated out of their homes.

Merchants created hybrid workspaces that doubled as living areas, while many women and men in 18th-century Britain engaged in textile spinning and weaving from their homes through a system known as the "putting-out" or domestic system. This allowed businesses to subcontract work to individuals and households instead of having their own factories. Additionally, British women often worked in textile mills from their homes to help support their families.

So, while the concept of remote work has progressed immensely with modern technology, the practice of working from home has deep historical roots. It wasn't until factories and offices started popping up that the idea of commuting and working in designated spaces became the norm.

The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution really shook things up. Suddenly, people were leaving their homes to work in factories, and the concept of the office was born. This shift marked a big change in how work was structured, moving from isolated workers to bustling workplaces.

But then, the digital age rolled in, and everything changed again. With the internet's arrival in the early '80s, the groundwork for remote work was laid. Workers started using systems like UNIX and DOS, which connected them in ways they hadn’t experienced before.

The Rise of Telecommuting

Fast forward to the '70s, when Jack Nilles, a NASA engineer, coined the term "telecommuting." It was a small-scale experiment at IBM that allowed a handful of employees to work from home. By the early '80s, this number had skyrocketed to 2,000. This was just the beginning of what would become a massive shift in how we think about work.

The late '90s saw the first website launch, and with it came a wave of entrepreneurs working from their garages and spare rooms. These startups embraced flexibility, allowing their teams to work from anywhere. This not only reduced commuting but also aligned with the growing green movement to promote less pollution and more sustainable practices.

The Tech Boom and Remote Work

As technology advanced, so did remote work. The introduction of laptops, tablets, and smartphones meant that people could work from virtually anywhere. Wi-Fi made it possible to connect to the internet from coffee shops, parks, and even beaches. Then came "the cloud," which allowed easy access to documents and files and made collaboration seamless.

Tools like Slack and Zoom became essential for teams, enabling people to communicate and work together without being in the same room. This shift has led to a more flexible work culture, where employees can choose their hours and locations.

Why Remote Work Is Here to Stay

So, why is remote work the future? Well, for starters, throughout most of history, work has generally been “remote” as we understand it: the office setup we know today is more the exception than the rule. The pandemic accelerated this shift back to working from our homes, and now, millions of jobs worldwide operate on some form of remote or hybrid work model.

Companies are realising that offering flexible hours and remote options can help retain talent. Studies show that remote workers are often more engaged and productive than those stuck in a traditional office setting. In fact, many remote workers report being happier and more satisfied with their jobs.

Remote work has come a long way, evolving from the days when people worked right from their homes to the flexible setups we have today. Now, with companies realising the perks of letting employees work from anywhere, we’re all enjoying the freedom to skip the daily grind of commuting and focus more on what truly matters—like spending time with family, pursuing our passions, or exploring new employment opportunities from the comforts of our home.