Expanding Opportunities for Remote Work

Since 2005, the number of people who work from home but aren’t self-employed has grown 140 percent. It’s estimated that up to 25 percent of the workforce telecommutes at least part of the time. Of workers who don’t telecommute, the majority would like to have that option.

One of the primary advantages of telecommuting and teleworking positions is enhanced flexibility, which can help people achieve a better work/life balance. In light of advancing technology and this workplace trend, more companies are making adjustments to their work culture and offering work from home opportunities.

Remote work can open up opportunities for people living in rural areas, which in turn provides a boost for local economies. Amy Long, site administrator at the Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) in Fairmont, says the clinic has a number of opportunities for people who want to live in Fairmont but work remotely.

“It could be a perfect option for those who want to live and raise a family in a rural area but don’t have the exact job opportunity they need to work here,” Long says.

MCHS has a number of jobs that can be performed remotely, in areas like communications, IT, research and fundraising. Hiring managers determine if a role qualifies for telework.

Some MCHS employees have Rochester-based job functions but engage locally with their employer through the system’s “home sites.” Fairmont is a home office location for a number of employees who have duties that support Rochester and other locations.

Mike Klujeske is one such employee. He’s a systems analyst for MCHS revenue cycles. He telecommutes three days a week and works two days a week in the Fairmont office.

Klujeske notes there are two types of work from home options with MCHS: telework, which is 100 percent remote, and telecommuting, which is split between a home office and one of the home sites. He telecommutes and points out remote work has a number of benefits, both for employees and employers.

“It cuts down on commute times,” he says, adding that it’s nice to be able to work remotely in the winter during inclement weather and to have the option to dress casually while working at home.

On the employer side, “It saves on the physical footprint of an office, and allows organizations to save resources,” says Klujeske.

Long encourages people to look at MCHS careers page to explore potential opportunities. “One thing we want people to know is that if they see a position that is based in Rochester, they shouldn’t just rule that out. They should see if telecommuting is an option,” she says.

MCHS is one of many employers that offers telework positions. If you’re looking for the chance to live in Fairmont and work from home, a bit of online research uncovers many more possibilities. Forbes recently wrote about the Top 100 Companies for Remote Jobs and CNBC has a list of Top 25 Companies Offering Work-From-Home Jobs in 2019.