Australian firms leading remote work shift by 2025

A recent report indicates that 83% of Australian companies intend to hire over 60% of their workforce as remote workers by 2025.

The "Future State of Hiring and Talent Management of the International Workforce in Asia/Pacific" InfoBrief, sponsored by Remote, has highlighted a growing trend towards remote employment across the Asia-Pacific region.

The study, conducted by IDC, surveyed 600 organisations and suggests that Australia is one of the leaders in hiring remote employees, followed closely by Japan, South Korea, and India.

The report sheds light on how businesses in the region are increasingly turning to remote employment, driven by technological advancements that allow for efficient management of a workforce not restricted by geographical boundaries. Among the key findings, Australia ranks highest in terms of hiring maturity, with a notable 78% of its companies utilising Employer of Record (EOR) solutions for payroll and other HR activities related to their dispersed teams.

However, the shift towards remote work is not without its challenges. Businesses continue to encounter difficulties in managing international payroll, navigating local policies, tax, and compliance issues, and sourcing the appropriate skills set in target countries.

Despite these hurdles, Australian companies appear to be at the forefront of integrating technological solutions in their HR processes. Around 52% of Australian firms have adopted integrated HR platforms for essential functions such as onboarding and employee management, indicating a robust reliance on technology to support remote work operations.

Nick Martin, APAC GTM Lead at Remote commented on the findings.

"The rapid shift to remote work across Asia-Pacific, especially in Australia, underscores the growing need for businesses to adopt advanced HR technologies. As companies hire talent from diverse geographies, having the right digital tools in place is critical for managing payroll, compliance, and employee engagement effectively."

"Those that embrace these solutions will not only meet the evolving demands of the workforce but will also gain a competitive edge in the global talent market."

As the adoption of remote work becomes more entrenched as a long-term business strategy within the region, organisations are increasingly leveraging digital tools to facilitate seamless hiring, onboarding, and management of remote employees.

The InfoBrief emphasises the increasing importance of HR technology as companies adapt to future work environments. The survey data demonstrates a significant move towards more flexible work arrangements, driven by both necessity and the pursuit of competitive advantage in a rapidly globalising economy.