Is Your Remote Job on the Chopping Block? Here's How to Secure Your Future

A new survey reveals that 30% of companies plan to eliminate remote work by 2026, with many tightening hybrid policies. Nearly half will require employees in the office at least four days a week. Stacie Haller, chief career advisor at ResumeBuilder.com, notes that leaders often equate visibility with productivity, fearing loss of culture and collaboration.

If your life revolves around a remote job, the stakes are high. Fewer positions mean fiercer competition, potential relocations, and a need to rethink work-life structures. Here's how to prepare and stay ahead.

Audit Your Role And Industry

Assess Your Current Situation

Start by evaluating if your remote job is in a vulnerable industry. If your company already mandates office days and discusses "maximizing office space," a return-to-office (RTO) mandate could be imminent.

Look At Industry Trends

Tech firms that once supported remote work are now leading RTO pushes, followed by finance, consulting, and traditional sectors. However, fields like software development, marketing, and customer support still offer strong remote opportunities.

Explore Your Options

Determine if your job's flexibility is inherent or company-dependent. If the latter, research adjacent roles or industries with remote-first models. Identify companies committed to remote work and the skills they seek.

Quantify Your Value

With 62% of companies believing increased office days boost productivity, prove your remote effectiveness with data. Document impacts like project completions, revenue generated, and time saved. Use specifics such as "Reduced customer response time by 40%" or "Led a team that delivered three major launches on schedule." Keep a file of wins and feedback.

In reviews or RTO talks, focus on outcomes:

• Don't say: "I work hard from home."
• Say: "I've exceeded my quarterly targets by 25% while working remotely."

Make it clear that your location doesn't affect results.

Stay Visible From Anywhere

When leaders equate physical presence with engagement, ensure your impact is obvious.

Demonstrate Your Value

• Share regular updates in team channels
• Volunteer for cross-functional projects
• Speak up in meetings with ideas, not just reports
• Make contributions visible and memorable

Build Relationships Intentionally

• Schedule virtual coffee chats with colleagues and leaders
• Celebrate team wins publicly
• Connect others and share resources

Visibility is about being present, engaged, and valuable in meaningful ways.

Negotiate Smart Hybrid Terms

If your company shifts to hybrid, propose solutions that benefit both sides. Frame flexibility as a business advantage.

Suggest:

• A hybrid pilot program with clear metrics
• "Core days" for in-office collaboration
• Project-based schedules (in-person for launches, remote for execution)

Back proposals with performance data and examples of remote benefits. Time discussions during reviews or after wins to focus on solving company problems.

Future-Proof Your Income

Even if your job stays remote, don't rely on one company. The survey shows 8% of firms increase office days to push remote employees to quit. Thrive by having options.

Create Multiple Income Streams

• Freelance in your field
• Consult on the side
• Create digital products
• Teach or mentor others
• Build a portfolio of contract work

These don't need to replace your salary but provide leverage.

Strengthen Your Personal Brand

• Share work on LinkedIn
• Contribute to industry discussions
• Build a personal website
• Network with remote professionals

Make it easy for opportunities to find you.

Invest In Transferable Skills

Communication

Strong writers and presenters can work effectively anywhere without relying on physical presence.

Leadership

Influence without authority, manage projects across time zones, and build trust remotely—skills that translate to any environment.

Technical Literacy

Learn AI tools, data analysis basics, and automation platforms relevant to your industry.