Increase in Remote Work Opportunities: Surging Number of Distance Jobs in Kazakhstan
In the era of digital innovation, the appeal of working from anywhere, provided one has a laptop and internet connection, is escalating among Kazakhstan's citizens.
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Recent statistics from the Kazakh National Statistics Bureau reveal a staggering 18.6% surge in the number of remote workers over the last year, accounting for 46,700 individuals in Q4 of 2024. This marks a threefold increase compared to the previous growth rate of 5.4%. However, remote workers still represent a minuscule segment of the working population, with their share growing only slightly-from 0.44% to 0.51% over the same period.
Remote working is all about optimizing resources and offering flexibility to teams. The Astana Times spoke with a few Kazakh remote workers who echoed this sentiment, attributing the shift to improved work-life balance, freedom, and better health.
Ablaikhon Azhidinov, an IT specialist, has experienced the benefits of a hybrid working model, highlighting a significant time-saving on commuting and reducing stress from stopping and starting daily traffic. While working remotely, social interaction might be lacking, isolating individuals, he acknowledged.
Diana, a 29-year-old project manager, was drawn to the flexibility in location and working hours, which allowed her to explore different parts of the world. Working remotely from Bali, she relished morning ocean swims, leisurely breakfasts, and evening productivity when her focus peaked. While remote work poses challenges in mentoring and communication, Diana advocated for trusting team members, nurturing a work environment that promotes professionalism, responsibility, and self-discipline.
Remote working has also been a boon for Ayaulym Tleubaldy, an IT specialist who enjoys the freedom to create her schedule and carry out tasks that matter to her. The flexibility has enabled her to make health appointments or travel for family events, seamlessly integrating work into her life.
Perspectives from HR Professionals
To better understand the corporate view on remote and hybrid work, The Astana Times spoke with freelance HR specialist Yenlik Toleukhanova about the trend's prevalence and employers' attitudes towards it. She noticed a significant increase in remote working, with the pace of adoption varying across industries, especially in IT.
A generational shift in workforce expectations is also evident, she noted, with younger employees prioritizing work-life balance and well-being over the traditional company-first mentality. While this shift comes with drawbacks, it is pushing companies to adjust their policies to meet the needs of employees.
Despite concerns about performance and efficiency when employees work remotely, attitudes are gradually evolving as employers realize the growing responsibility among employees. Companies can also benefit from tapping into a broader talent pool and saving on office space and related expenses.
Kazakhstan has been making it easier for digital nomads to stay by streamlining visa requirements and introducing new visa categories for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. The Neo Nomad visa provides the opportunity to work remotely from Kazakhstan without quitting a job based elsewhere.
While many Kazakh companies still require full-time office presence, the evolution of work culture, coupled with little difference in productivity, could pave the way for the benefits of hybrid work and increased flexibility. At a time when congestion plagues major cities, companies offering hybrid working arrangements gain a competitive edge.
Kazakhstan's increasing embrace of AI adoption, averaging a 16.8% productivity boost with AI, contributes to the rise of hybrid models. These models offer a balance between remote and in-office work, helping companies address some remote work challenges and maintain face-to-face interactions.
In sum, the growing trend of remote work in Kazakhstan presents numerous benefits for both employees and employers, such as work-life balance, flexibility, and health improvements. However, it also brings challenges that require innovative management and technology solutions to address issues like social isolation, communication, and blurred work-life boundaries. Embracing AI and hybrid models could be the key to overcoming these challenges and creating a more balanced, productive workforce in Kazakhstan.
- The surge in remote workers in Kazakhstan is driven by a combination of factors, including the appeal of flexible work arrangements, improved work-life balance, and the increasing adoption of technology.
- Technology plays a crucial role in enabling remote work, as it provides the necessary tools for employees to collaborate effectively and perform their tasks efficiently from any location, thus empowering the digital nomad lifestyle.
