Amazon recently aired the final episode of its automotive adventure show The Grand Tour. If you’ve never seen it (or its sister production Top Gear), the premise is simple: three British petrolheads (read:blithering idiots) embark on global escapades, tackling obscure missions in remote jungles, frozen rally tracks, and vast deserts—all while driving comically unsuitable vehicles. But here’s the kicker – their work thrived on being immersed in the environment and culture. Critically, none of these adventures could have been achieved from behind a desk.
Likewise, some jobs demand physical presence, while others thrive in remote or hybrid setups. Before the pandemic, only 6.5% of professionals worked from home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That number soared during COVID-19, with some industries reporting up to 50% of employees telecommuting. Today, the workplace has shifted again. As of March, The New York Times reported that 81% of professionals now work fully in person, 9% follow hybrid schedules, and only 10% remain fully remote. Younger employees under 25 are least likely to work remotely, while those aged 35–44 represent a significant portion of the remote workforce.
Remote jobs may be less common, but hybrid work is gaining traction. McKinsey & Company noted that office attendance remains about 30% lower than pre-pandemic levels, signaling a lasting change in how we approach work. However, as executives push for in-office returns, businesses must balance traditional expectations with evolving needs.
There’s no universal solution. Mandating full-time office attendance or fully remote setups risks alienating parts of the workforce. Instead, flexible arrangements that balance organizational goals with employee well-being are key. Hybrid models blend the best of both worlds, fostering productivity, workplace culture, and work-life balance.
Consider the post-Grand Tour careers of its hosts. James May travels abroad for his series Our Man In…, blending work and exploration. Richard Hammond splits his time between in-person work at his restoration business, The Smallest Cog, and recording podcasts from home with his daughters, epitomizing a hybrid model. Jeremy Clarkson has turned his English countryside farm into both a home and the set for his show, Clarkson’s Farm. Is that working from home?
As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “There can be no life without change, and to be afraid of what is different or unfamiliar is to be afraid of life.” Sticking to the familiar—the same job, employer, or office—might feel safe, but embracing change opens doors to growth. If you had told me in 2019 that I’d work fully remote, avoid rush-hour traffic, and trade hours of commuting for more time with family, I’d have thought you were nuts. But five years later, here I am—with an MBA, two professional certifications, and significant career milestones behind me. Change isn’t just good—it’s transformative.
