Since the pandemic in 2020, remote and hybrid work have shifted from being uncommon to being the norm. Most jobs in 2026 are hybrid and it is becoming the default practice to only go into the office 2-3 days per week. In order to get the best out of remote work, as it is practically unavoidable now, we have some key trends, essential tools, and practical tips to help you get the best out of working remotely!

Key trends shaping remote work:

As mentioned earlier, hybrid work now seems to be the default for most jobs, with most organisations being fairly flexible and focusing more on outcomes than the working environment. This opens up many roles to international candidates meaning that there has been a rise in cross-border teams and asynchronous collaboration. Then there are the AI trends, many tools powered by AI are now used for scheduling, note-taking, task prioritisation, and productivity. This takes time away from admin, resulting in more efficiency when it comes to meaningful tasks. The hybrid work model also supports wellbeing and has more of an emphasis on mental health and prevention of burnout. 

Tools defining remote work:

Since the pandemic, more collaboration platforms have been created or improved in order to streamline virtual meetings and working. Shared workspaces and digital whiteboards are commonly used and make hybrid or remote working far easier to manage. There are many AI and automation tools that are used for workflows and assisting with task management. Smart assistants are widely being used for meetings, email management and reporting.

Tips for remote work:

One piece of advice in order to ensure you are successful is to master communication. When working remotely, communication can be difficult so it is important to learn how to clearly write and document work and also respect flexible working schedules and understand different time zones. For certain remote jobs where the hours are fully flexible, it is good to make a schedule and stick to it, when you have undefined working hours it is easier to over or underwork and it can result in burnout. It is also important to create strict boundaries between work and home life, since constantly working from home can blur the lines at times. Another piece of advice would be to look into upskilling: digital literacy, AI fluency and self-management skills are all desirable skills that can help you stay adaptable in a fast-changing work environment. Finally, building visibility is also important. Be proactive in sharing progress and achievements and also try to maintain professional relationships online. 

For employers:

Remote working means that employers will have to shift away from micromanagement and towards more trust-based leadership. There is more of a focus on inclusion, accessibility and clear communication. This may also mean investing time and money into different tools than are typically used in work environments in order to ensure employees have the correct tools and training. 

In 2026, remote work will be more flexible, tech-driven, and people focused. Success depends on adaptability, communication, and balance. Prepare now for the future of work, it may look different to how it does now/ how you expect.