Increasingly, young job seekers in China are considering working remotely abroad in order to achieve a better work-life balance, in response to the pressure of living in big cities and fierce competition in the job market. InCareer, an app launched by LinkedIn in 2021, lists opportunities for remote work around the world, and data from the app shows that the number of people searching for and applying for remote work in China peaked in Q4 of last year. Programmer, sales, and business development are the top three fields where remote workers are being sought, with a preference shown for working with Chinese startups overseas as well as for small and medium-sized foreign companies. A software engineer named Zhai Lujia, who works for an Australian company specializing in software development, said that he feels engaged and productive with this kind of work structure, which requires greater self-discipline. He believes that his job is no different from a traditional one in terms of his tasks and opportunities for promotion. The rise of remote work is partly due to COVID-19, and a McKinsey report showed that more than 50 percent of employees worldwide prefer a flexible work model combining office and online work. Remote work overseas may also help Chinese companies expand their global footprint, according to Chen Yijing, director of product management at LinkedIn China.
She added that this model enables domestic companies to enter foreign markets without the need for physical administration and human resources, while also empowering innovative startups that are more flexible and adaptable.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the job market, more companies are realizing the benefits of remote work. For job seekers, remote work offers the freedom to live and work from anywhere, while also avoiding the high living costs and intense competition in big cities. Remote work also enables companies to tap into a global talent pool and reduce their overhead costs.
In China, the demand for remote work is expected to continue to grow, with young professionals increasingly valuing work-life balance and flexibility. According to a report by recruitment firm Hays, 86 percent of Chinese job seekers prioritize work-life balance when looking for a new job.
As a result, more companies are offering flexible work arrangements, including remote work options. This trend is not limited to China, as companies around the world are adopting more flexible work policies.
In conclusion, remote work is becoming increasingly popular in China as more job seekers look for ways to achieve work-life balance and flexibility. This trend is driven by a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, changing attitudes towards work, and the need for companies to reduce costs and tap into a global talent pool. With the rise of remote work, we can expect to see more innovative startups and established companies expanding their operations overseas, offering exciting opportunities for job seekers looking to work remotely.
