HR leaders expect more remote work in 2024 – HireRight

TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES — A new global survey by HireRight reveals that twice as many HR leaders anticipate an increase in remote work rather than a decrease in 2024. 

HireRight’s 2024 Global Benchmark Report was based on a survey of 1,250 HR, risk, and talent acquisition leaders across EMEA, North America, and APAC.

“Almost two-thirds of respondents expect the uptake of remote and hybrid working to remain roughly the same by the end of 2024,” the report said.

“However, 27% of APAC respondents, 19% of EMEA respondents, and 15% of North America respondents expect it to grow during that time.”

Remote work continues to gain momentum

Nearly twice as many businesses expect an increase in remote or hybrid working arrangements by the end of 2024 compared to those anticipating a reduction. 

This shift is driven by several factors, including:

• Improved well-being and work-life balance (58% in North America, 63% in EMEA, 67% in APAC)
• Access to a larger talent pool (47% in North America, 38% in EMEA, 43% in APAC)
• Enhanced employee retention (38% in North America, 41% in EMEA, 50% in APAC)

“While we have seen some of our customers making plans to bring their employees back to the office, or have already done so, employers globally are having to make tough decisions,” said HireRight’s SVP and Managing Director of EMEA and Latin America Peter Cleverton.

“Many must calculate if the benefits of doing so are worth the risk of their employees seeking remote or hybrid employment elsewhere.”

Recruitment challenges persist

Despite the positive outlook on remote work, HR leaders continue to face recruitment hurdles:

• Understaffing in HR teams (27% in EMEA, 22% in APAC)
• Positions remaining unfilled for up to six months (36% in North America, 26% in APAC)
• Extended time-to-hire (27% in EMEA)

Interestingly, candidates dropping out due to lack of remote work options emerged as a significant challenge, particularly in North America (33%) and APAC (17%).

Economic uncertainty remains a top concern

Approximately one-third of leaders across EMEA (33%), North America (38%), and APAC (32%) regions cited this as their primary concern. 

About 38% of global respondents believe economic factors will continue to pose long-term acquisition challenges through 2027.

HireRight’s CHRO Julie Romero through UNLEASH, advises HR leaders to prepare for various scenarios: “To help tackle this, HR leaders should consider and make plans for a wide range of scenarios beyond the control of their company to ensure they are not caught unaware.”