If you’ve been loving your pajama-commute lifestyle, brace yourself — it might not last much longer.
A new ResumeBuilder survey of nearly 1,000 business leaders reveals a serious shift: 30% of companies plan to eliminate remote roles entirely by 2026, and half expect employees to show up in the office at least four days a week.
So what’s going on?
Many executives still equate “being seen” with “being productive.” They fear remote work hurts collaboration, culture, and accountability — even though countless studies show otherwise.
Career strategist Stacie Haller puts it simply: “Leaders say they value flexibility, but when deadlines get tight, old habits take over. Visibility becomes power.”
But here’s the truth: this doesn’t mean remote work is over. It means it’s evolving. And smart workers will evolve with it.
🧭 What You Can Do Right Now
1. Get brutally honest about your role.
Ask yourself: could your job be done by someone else — or by AI? If so, your best defense is results. The more value you deliver (and track), the harder you are to replace.
2. Quantify your wins.
Document the impact of your work: revenue, time saved, customer growth, engagement rates — whatever matters most to your team. Keep the receipts.
3. Make your work visible.
Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. Share progress updates, show up in key meetings, and stay connected. Remote doesn’t mean invisible.
Related: 9 Remote Entry-Level Jobs Paying $87K+
4. Negotiate flexibility like a pro.
If your company is pulling people back in, suggest a smart hybrid model — maybe three days in, two out. Use your performance data as leverage, not emotion.
5. Start a “Plan B” income stream.
Consult, freelance, or monetize your expertise online. Having an extra income line gives you options — not panic — when policies shift.
6. Keep upgrading your skills.
Tech fluency, leadership, and adaptability will outlast trends. Learn how to work with AI, not against it.
💡 Bottom line: Remote work isn’t dying — it’s transforming.
Companies that adapt will attract talent. Those that don’t will lose it.
And for you? The winners of this next chapter will be the ones who can deliver results — from anywhere.