The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift in the way we work, with remote work becoming a prevalent option for many employees. In Minnesota, this trend has been particularly pronounced, with the state boasting the highest rate of remote work in the Midwest, according to a recent analysis by the Minneapolis Fed. While remote work has been a boon for many, providing flexibility and convenience, not everyone in the state has had the opportunity to work from home.
The transition to remote work unfolded unevenly across the Minnesota workforce, with frontline and low-wage workers often having to continue working in person during the height of the pandemic. This disparity has highlighted some significant differences between those who are able to work from home and the broader working population in the state.
Remote workers in Minnesota tend to be highly educated, midcareer, and more often White. According to data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, nearly 17 percent of Minnesotan workers reported that they usually worked from home in 2022. These remote workers are more likely to be in white-collar occupations such as management, business, and finance, which are conducive to remote work. On the other hand, occupations like service, construction, and transportation require an in-person presence.
The top remote-work occupations in Minnesota are found in various industries, including professional services, finance, and surprisingly, health care and social services. The state’s large number of company headquarters has contributed to the prevalence of remote work, as many managerial and professional roles can be done remotely. Additionally, occupations that lend themselves to remote work often require a college degree, leading to a higher concentration of highly educated workers among remote employees.
Remote workers in Minnesota are typically midcareer and slightly older, with many falling between the ages of 35 and 54. Younger workers, especially those under 30, are less likely to work from home, as they are more likely to be in jobs that require an in-person presence. Women make up a significant portion of remote workers in the state, as do married workers and those with children in their households. The flexibility provided by remote work is particularly important for dual-career couples and working parents.
However, there are disparities in the remote workforce when it comes to race and ethnicity. White workers are overrepresented among remote workers in Minnesota, while Black, Hispanic, and Native workers are underrepresented. This is largely due to the types of jobs held by different racial and ethnic groups, with essential workers often having fewer opportunities for remote work.
It’s important to acknowledge these disparities and work towards creating more equitable opportunities for remote work for all workers. Remote work has proven to be a valuable benefit for many employees, providing them with greater control over their work environment and schedule. By addressing the barriers that prevent certain groups from accessing remote work, we can create a more inclusive and diverse remote workforce in Minnesota.
