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Design firms are embracing remote working for the long haul. Here’s what that means for the A+D ecosystem…

41% global employees considering resigning

54% employees leaving if not offered flexibility

75% a+d firms remaining hybrid or remote

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The data is in:

Hybrid working is here to stay—and a competitive advantage in the impending talent war. A March EY survey of 16,000-plus worldwide employees found more than half would consider leaving their job post-pandemic if not afforded flexibility in where and when they work, while Microsoft research revealed that 41% of the global workforce is already considering resigning. ThinkLab has found that the vast majority of architecture and design firms will choose either a hybrid or a fully remote “design from anywhere” model moving forward; less than 25% plan to return to the office full-time.

The trend is already having a profound effect on how business gets done in our industry. As firms increasingly assemble the best talent for a project from remote teams, manufacturers’ sales territories—typically based on geography—are being shaken up. Materials libraries are moving online. Unclear firm visitor policies are making it more challenging for reps to access designers. Ultimately, the role of the product sales rep is moving later in the process, demanding that more be done faster and with fewer resources—and shifting from a highly social position to an increasingly tech-heavy and technical one. —Amanda Schneider

“With everyone now relying on people shipping what they need, when they need it, we are permanently removing the materials libraries from almost all our offices” —Kristen Cerrutti, Nelson