Imagine you're a software engineer. You love your job. But you're tired of long commutes, office politics, and cubicles. So when your boss tells you that you can work from home, you feel like you just won the lottery. As companies and employees both discover the advantages of remote work, engineering staffing agencies are getting plenty of questions about the feasibility of remote work, and for a good reason. This article offers insights to help both employees and employers navigate this new world of remote work to find the best solutions for their unique situations.
Founders Arms' virtual marketing assistants can help you achieve your objectives by offering valuable support. At the same time, you discover what software engineers working from home need to know and what your team can do to settle remote work arrangements smoothly.
Table of Content
Can Software Engineers Work From Home, and Are They Working From Home in 2025?
Remote Software Engineering: An Exploration of Its Challenges
Try Out an Engineer or Assistant for Two Weeks for Free - Book a Call to Learn More
Can Software Engineers Work From Home, and Are They Working From Home in 2025?
Software engineers can work from home. Their core responsibilities require little more than a reliable computer and internet connection, such as:
Coding
Testing
Deploying applications
When the COVID-19 pandemic pushed companies to adopt remote operations, the tech industry adapted quickly. Software engineers, in particular, experienced minimal disruption to productivity or collaboration. Many even welcomed the added flexibility. This successful transition has since laid the groundwork for a lasting shift in how engineering teams operate.
Will Software Engineers Be Working From Home in 2025?
By 2025, most software engineers will be working from home. According to research by ScienceSoft, 80% will be either fully remote or following a hybrid model. Around half are expected to adopt hybrid arrangements, dividing their time between home and the office.
This shift is no longer a short-term reaction to global events; it reflects a broader and lasting acceptance of flexible work in the tech industry.
How Remote Work Is Reshaping Engineering Team Dynamics
Employers have recognised that key engineering tasks are easily managed by distributed teams, especially with the rise of cloud-based development tools and real-time collaboration platforms, like:
Coding
Testing
Deployment
For engineers, remote work offers greater flexibility and improved work-life balance. For companies, it opens access to a broader talent pool beyond geographical limits. In 2025, remote and hybrid setups will have become the norm in software engineering, transforming:
Team dynamics
Workplace expectations
Long-term career planning
Why Remote Work Is So Prevalent in Software Engineering
Remote work has become especially prevalent in software engineering because the very nature of the job lends itself to being done from virtually anywhere. Most core tasks, such as coding, debugging, and testing, are performed independently on a computer.
Unlike professions that require physical presence or specialised equipment on-site, software engineering relies almost entirely on digital tools, making it ideal for remote environments.
The Tech Stack Behind Remote Engineering: What Makes It Work
Cloud-based platforms and version control systems like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket have further accelerated this shift. These tools allow engineers to collaborate on codebases in real-time, manage updates efficiently, and maintain clear project histories without needing to be in the exact physical location.
Communication platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, combined with project management software like Jira or Trello, ensure teams can work together seamlessly, regardless of time zones.
From Crisis to Culture: The Rise of Long-Term Remote Work in Tech
This infrastructure has allowed both startups and major tech firms to adopt remote-first or hybrid work cultures successfully. Companies like GitLab operate entirely remotely, employing thousands of engineers worldwide without any centralized office.
Others, such as Meta and Shopify, have embraced permanent hybrid models, recognizing that distributed teams can be just as effective, if not more so, than those confined to traditional office settings. As a result, remote work has evolved from being an emergency solution during the pandemic to a preferred long-term model in the software engineering industry.
Inside Founders Arms’ 2-Week Talent Trial: What to Expect
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We've helped Cal AI scale influencer marketing to reach millions, Pam build backend operations to support rapid growth, Turbolearn AI to amplify their reach in the education market, and many more. Want a 2-week free trial with our offshore talent? Try out an engineer or virtual marketing assistant, entirely for free.
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Benefits of Hiring Remote for Software Engineers
Cut Turnover with Remote Software Engineers
Hiring remote software engineers can help reduce turnover and improve retention.
According to a Gartner report, only 29.1% of IT professionals globally express a strong intent to stay with their current employer. Even in Europe, the highest-performing region, this figure reaches just 38.8%. The numbers are lower in Asia (19.6%), Australia and New Zealand (23.6%), and Latin America (26.9%).
Companies that adopt remote work policies can directly address key drivers of attrition, such as lack of flexibility, long commutes, and poor work-life balance. These changes lead to stronger employee satisfaction and significantly lower turnover. Strong retention strategies have been shown to boost company profits by up to four times.
Gain Access to a Global Talent Pool
Hiring remote software engineers gives you access to a significantly larger talent pool.
Traditional hiring confines recruitment to local markets, often requiring inflated compensation packages to attract candidates in high-cost regions. By adopting a remote-first approach, businesses remove geographical constraints and tap into a global talent pool, without the need for complex visa processes or expensive relocation packages.
According to Statista, the global developer population is projected to reach 28.7 million by 2024, an increase of 3.2 million since 2020. This expanded access enables companies to recruit top-tier engineers from diverse backgrounds, bringing in fresh perspectives and accelerating innovation across teams.
Save Costs When Hiring Remote Software Engineers
Hiring remote software engineers can lead to substantial cost savings for your business.
For example, employing a software developer in the Bay Area typically costs over $150,000 per year. In contrast, a mid-level developer in Brazil may earn between $50,000 and $75,000, while senior engineers may command up to $104,000, offering considerable savings without compromising on quality.
According to Global Workplace Analytics, companies can save up to $11,000 annually for each half-time remote employee. These savings are driven by increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower employee turnover, all of which contribute to a leaner, more efficient operation.
Combat Burnout By Hiring Remote Developers
Burnout is a growing concern across many industries, and software developers are no exception.
According to JetBrains’ 2023 State of Developer Ecosystem report, 73% of developers have experienced burnout at some point in their careers. To address this concerning trend, businesses can leverage remote work to support employee well-being.
A survey by Catalyst involving over 7,000 employers found that offering remote work options led to a 26% reduction in workplace-related burnout and a 19% drop in personal burnout. Remote work gives employees greater flexibility and a more comfortable working environment, factors that promote a healthier work-life balance and help mitigate stress.
Foster Innovation by Hiring Remote Software Engineers
Hiring remote software engineers can fuel innovation.
Software development depends heavily on creativity, which thrives when individuals reach a state of deep focus, or “flow.” According to Positive Psychology, remote work helps create the conditions necessary for this state, allowing developers to work with greater concentration and creativity.
How Remote Work Enhances Developer Focus and Creativity
Following the shift to remote work during COVID-19, 39% of businesses reported increased productivity. Research also suggests that remote workers experience higher levels of innovation, engagement, and creative output compared to office-based teams.
With fewer interruptions, no commute, and more autonomy, remote developers have greater space for reflection and ideation.
This leads to:
Fresh thinking
More effective problem-solving
Stronger business outcomes
Strengthen Workplace Diversity with Remote Work
Hiring remote software engineers enhances workplace diversity by removing the geographical constraints of traditional hiring. Remote work enables companies to build more inclusive teams, drawing talent from a broader range of:
Backgrounds
Locations
Experiences
Diverse teams are shown to be more creative, less prone to groupthink, and better equipped to solve complex problems.
Breaking Barriers: Remote Work as a Driver of Inclusion in Tech
Remote roles also open opportunities for underrepresented communities and support greater inclusion of women in STEM, caregivers, and individuals facing financial or mobility challenges. By adopting remote work, businesses can cultivate teams that reflect a wider range of perspectives, leading to:
Stronger collaboration
Innovation
Business outcomes
Remote Software Engineering: An Exploration of Its Challenges
Remote software engineering offers many benefits, but it also introduces a unique set of challenges for employees and employers alike. In this piece, we will explore the struggles of remote software engineering from an employee's perspective and offer insight into how to overcome them.
Loneliness and Isolation
Even the most introverted software engineers prefer social interaction. Working within a team provides:
Structure to projects
Mutual support
Knowledge sharing
Opportunities for collaboration
When you remove the office environment, some of these benefits disappear. Remote teams can combat this by organizing regular video calls, encouraging team members to turn on their cameras, and using collaboration tools to simulate the office environment.
Collaboration Across Time Zones
Working with a global remote team often means collaborating across cultures and time zones. While this diversity fosters fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, it can also pose communication challenges, particularly for software engineers who rely on timely feedback and close collaboration to solve complex problems.
Delayed responses, asynchronous communication, and reduced team engagement can slow project momentum. To address this, establish a clear communication framework from the outset. Set expectations around response times, schedule regular check-ins, and promote collaboration through shared code repositories and project tools.
Establishing Routines
When transitioning from in-office work to remote software engineering, some professionals struggle to establish proper routines for their new work setting. With remote work, it’s easy to fall into the trap of working nonstop.
After all, there’s no one around to notice your long hours. Not to mention, your team members may be in different time zones and operating on an entirely different schedule. To combat this, software engineers should look to rebuild their habits from scratch to create a new structured routine that works for them.
Technical Difficulties
In an office environment, there’s typically an IT team to resolve technical issues that arise during work. When working remotely, individuals must be prepared to fix things mostly by themselves. This can get difficult for remote workers who are not tech-savvy.
To avoid disruptions to productivity, organizations can help by providing remote workers with the tools they need to succeed. This includes pre-configured devices that are ready to use out of the box and access to technical support for remote workers.
VPN Connection Issues
VPNs play a crucial role for remote workers, helping them:
Protect online activity
Manage access securely
Collaborate efficiently from anywhere in the world
For those who travel frequently or work across different networks, a reliable VPN is essential for maintaining privacy and security.
While some users may occasionally encounter reduced connection speeds, especially on lower-tier plans or when connected to distant servers, many top-rated VPNs are optimized to deliver stable performance and strong data protection.
How Offshore Talent Accelerates Early-Stage Startup Growth
Looking to build your dream team without the hiring headaches? Founders Arm connects you with pre-vetted, top-tier offshore talent at 60% less cost than traditional hiring. Skip the lengthy recruitment process and get exceptional engineers, marketers, or executive assistants onboarded in under two weeks, with no payroll hassles. Take your startup to the next level with professionals who hit the ground running from day one.
We've helped Cal AI scale influencer marketing to reach millions, Pam build backend operations to support rapid growth, Turbolearn AI to amplify their reach in the education market, and many more. Want a 2-week free trial with our offshore talent? Try out an engineer or virtual marketing assistant, entirely for free.
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Employer Considerations for Remote Engineering Teams
Open Channels for Communication: Building Bridges Even When Your Team Works Remotely
In remote teams, communication isn’t optional: it’s foundational. Keeping your development team connected ensures collaboration, prevents isolation, and keeps software projects moving forward.
Open communication helps reduce the sense of disconnection that can arise in remote settings. It also allows problems to surface early, enabling engineers to seek help before issues escalate. When team members feel comfortable reaching out, it cultivates a collaborative culture built on trust and transparency.
Building a Transparent Knowledge-Sharing Culture in Remote Teams
To support this, document everything, from decisions to processes. Record all-hands and team meetings to ensure alignment, especially across time zones. Encourage asynchronous communication to maximize deep focus time and provide clear pathways for finding information independently.
If someone doesn’t know the answer to a question, help them find someone who might know. Create shared communication spaces, such as a dedicated Slack channel for your engineering team, to facilitate quick exchanges, peer support, and knowledge-sharing.
Transparency is key: don’t hide information, make it:
Accessible
Searchable
Open by default
Project Management Tools: Stay Organized to Keep Remote Teams on Track
Disorganization is one of the potential downfalls for your company's software development process. Project management tools can help groups stay on track and enable everyone to complete their portion of the project effectively.
Avoid Unnecessary Meetings: Time Is Better Spent Coding Than in Meetings
Around 83% of employees spend up to a third of their week attending meetings. This is a huge time drain and prevents engineers from making progress on projects and completing daily tasks. Minimize unnecessary meetings whenever possible by using async communication tools. When you need to work synchronously, schedule remote meetings ahead of time.
A good tip is to send calendar invites and confirm attendees the day before. This prevents team members from forgetting meetings and minimizes wasted time.
Identify Roles within Your Development Team: Organization Is Key
Organization is the key to managing a successful remote development team. Clear divisions of labor in which employees know what they're responsible for keep remote engineers motivated and eliminate redundancy. Identifying roles within your development team outlines a transparent chain of command and empowers employees to take ownership of different parts of the development process.
It can also save engineering managers time by mapping out who each engineer should go to with specific questions.
Automate What You Can: Minimize Human Error and Create Structure
Development teams rely on a cohesive workflow to ensure things run smoothly. Task automation, like code deployment, maximizes the efficiency and accuracy of your team's work. The entire product suffers when one piece of the puzzle doesn't fit.
By automating your workflow as much as possible, you minimize the risk of human error and offer employees a routine that can give them a remote workflow structure. For example, consider automating code deployments at the same time each week or month. This sets a target for your team and encourages team members to stay on track.
Provide Remote Workers with What They Need to Be Successful in a Remote Environment
Transitioning to remote work can be costly for employers initially, especially if they have to invest in adequate equipment for their engineering team to work from home successfully. Remote work is beneficial for employers as well. Costs typically decrease when you stop paying for office space, electric bills, and other overhead expenses.
Furthermore, the right equipment is a necessary expense; your engineering team will be unable to do their job effectively without proper tools. If you're not offering the right work environment for your team members to perform their job, they may be incentivized to find a different employer willing to invest in their success.
Establish Processes for Onboarding Engineering Talent
When you first transition to remote work, you'll need to focus on building an onboarding process for your engineering team. The good news is that this will save you time in the long run.
Onboarding remote engineering employees can take time until your new hires familiarize themselves with your internal processes. You can use tutorial videos and documentation to educate new team members about your engineering processes.
Try Out an Engineer or Assistant for Two Weeks for Free - Book a Call to Learn More
If you want to build a startup that soars, you need to hire exceptional talent. But finding that talent can be a lengthy and costly process.
You have to figure out where to look.
You need to create an eye-catching job posting to attract qualified candidates.
You have to sift through applications to find the best prospects.
You conduct multiple interviews and skills assessments before making a decision.
By the time you make an offer to your new hire, they could have taken another job, and you have to start the process all over again. Fortunately, there's a better way to hire.
Fast-Tracking Startup Growth with Pre-Vetted Offshore Talent
Founders Arm connects startups with top-tier offshore talent, eliminating the lengthy recruitment process. Onboard exceptional engineers, marketers, or executive assistants in under two weeks, ready to deliver from day one.
We’ve supported startups like Cal AI in scaling influencer marketing to reach millions, helped Pam build backend operations for rapid growth, and enabled Turbolearn AI to expand their footprint in the education sector.
Curious how it works? Start with a two-week free trial, test out an engineer or virtual marketing assistant at no cost.
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