5 Industries Ripe for Flexible Work Arrangements in the U.S.

With services now dominating U.S. industry, fewer companies are fully dependent upon an onsite workforce. The ability to rethink traditional organizational structures has led to some interesting opportunities for job seekers in the form of flexible work arrangements.

There are many reasons for employers to embrace flexibility: it helps to cut costs, improves employee morale, and increases the available talent pool, as it enables individuals with disabilities or those with personal constraints like caregiving to compete for such roles.

As a result, flexible work arrangements are increasing in popularity across a variety of industries—some of which might be more surprising than others.

If you’re searching for a new role (or a new field!), here are five industries that are primed and ready to embrace flexible work arrangements in the next couple of years:

1. Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare is slated to be the country’s fastest-growing industry through 2024. Clinical research associates, account managers, and pharmacists are among the remote jobs available. Yet these roles don’t solely exist within the medical disciplines; offices of physicians and healthcare practitioners will need bookkeeping and administrative help, which often can accommodate flexible schedules.

2. Government

Although not necessarily renowned for efficient spending, the United States Government has taken some significant steps to embrace flexible work arrangements in recent years. In fact, almost one in three federal employees works from home at some point during the year. The industry is projected to continue growing at both the local and state level, opening up new opportunities for knowledge workers across the country from a variety of professional backgrounds.

3. Education

Online learning is no longer in its infancy. With many virtual K-12 charter schools and university degree programs, remote teaching and administrative roles in the education sector are in abundance. The edtech sector—which includes major content publishers, test preparation companies, makers of learning management systems, and an array of high tech startups—also continues to contribute to this industry’s flexible job growth. As the country’s third-fastest growing industry, education will remain a viable field for flexible jobs in the years to come.

4. Communications

While companies are vying for market share and brand awareness among consumers in an ever more competitive landscape, communications roles will progressively take center stage. Whether they exist in-house, within external agencies, or as freelancers/solopreneurs, social media strategists, public relations professionals, and creators of content for sales materials and websites will be in high demand—and all of these jobs can be accomplished remotely.

5. HR/Recruiting

As U.S. industry shifts away from the production of goods, the American workforce has found itself in a period of transition. Those whose careers have been built within industries now dwindling in size are considering their alternatives: pursuing different career paths via continuing education or seeking employment through recruiters. These professionals could work in flexible roles within an organization, or may be independent “head hunters.” Additionally, human resource positions are moving toward more flexible arrangements, with some professionals working from home versus onsite.