The Shift towards Remote Work in Instructional Design: Benefits and Opportunities

As the world navigates a new normal post-pandemic, one strategy for attracting and retaining employees has emerged as a vital consideration: remote work flexibility. In the field of instructional design, this shift has significant implications.

In recent years, I've had the opportunity to explore various jobs that offer remote work options. One approach is to search online colleges and universities, including community colleges, which may provide flexible scheduling and remote work arrangements. For instance, during one contract, I worked from home three days a week, enjoying the benefits of reduced commuting time and increased productivity.

The availability of remote work opportunities in instructional design is vast, with over 15 million hits on Google for 'instructional design remote work.' Employers would be wise to take note that employees who have grown accustomed to working from home will not easily relinquish the flexibility and lack of daily commutes that come with it.

Prior to the pandemic, salaried positions offering full-time remote work were rare. However, this landscape is rapidly changing. As an independent consultant since 2011, I can attest to the benefits of working remotely full-time. With the right tools and infrastructure in place, employees can thrive in a virtual environment, just as they would in an office setting.

In the future, employers will need to be more flexible to attract and retain top talent. As instructional designers, we must adapt to these changing times and explore opportunities that offer remote work flexibility. Whether it's working from home full-time or having the option to do so a few days a week, this shift towards remote work presents both benefits and opportunities for growth and success.

Instructional designer remote