Is remote work here to stay or not? What about remote hiring? This is a question that’s been hotly debated among recruiters and executive search in Toronto. Should companies engage in remote hiring if they plan to have employees work in the office?
Although remote hiring began as a response to a crisis, employees quickly grew to appreciate the flexibility, especially the time saved by avoiding long, stressful commutes. Today, many companies have embraced the new technologies that have made it possible to hire remotely. Remote jobs have certainly become popular among job seekers. However, the continued debate over return-to-office policies highlights that the future of work is still evolving.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at the current status of the remote vs. onsite hiring. We’ll discuss:
- What is the current status of remote hiring in 2025?
- The case for remote hiring
- The case for on-site hiring
- Is a hybrid hiring model the future?
What is the current status of remote hiring in 2025?
The debate between remote and on-site hiring has intensified in recent years, driven largely by the global shift toward flexible work arrangements. While remote and on-site hiring offer distinct advantages, choosing the right approach depends on your company’s goals, culture, and industry.
So, what approach are companies using to hire today? Research has found that most companies still use virtual hiring tools today, even though many are pushing for employees to return to the office:
- Nine in ten organizations still conduct virtual job interviews, even as in-person options return.
- Before the pandemic, 75% of first-round interviews were conducted in person. Post-pandemic, 90% began using virtual interviews for early-stage hiring, reflecting a 93% increase in usage.
- 82% of employers currently use virtual interviews as part of their recruitment process.
- 93% of employers say they plan to continue using virtual interviews in the future.
The case for remote hiring
Remote hiring allows employers to tap into a global talent pool, reduce overhead costs, and offer employees more flexibility. It’s especially effective for roles in tech, marketing, customer support, and other digital-based industries. Remote work can lead to higher job satisfaction and productivity when managed correctly.
There is no question that there are great benefits to using technology to recruit remotely:
- You Have Access to a Global Talent Pool: Companies are no longer limited by geographic location and can hire the best talent from anywhere in the world.
- Reduced Overhead Costs: It can be more cost-effective to host interviews online.
- Increased Productivity: You can interview a higher volume of candidates quickly.
- Faster Hiring Process: Virtual interviews and digital onboarding can speed up the recruitment cycle significantly.
- Scheduling: It’s easier for candidates to find interviews into their busy schedule.
- Reduced stress: Candidates don’t have to worry about finding a new location, traffic, or taking time off work.
The case for on-site hiring
Even though online interviews are convenient, there are still many advantages to bringing in candidates to the office for an in-person interview. There is no substitute for meeting someone face to face. This will give you the best sense of who the candidate is personally and professionally. The advantages of on-site hiring include:
- Stronger Personal Connection: Face-to-face interviews allow for more natural conversation and help both the interviewer and candidate build rapport.
- Better Assessment of Nonverbal Cues: In-person meetings make it easier to observe body language, eye contact, posture, and overall professionalism.
- Deeper Cultural Fit Evaluation: Interviewers can better assess whether a candidate aligns with the company’s values and work environment.
- Fewer Technical Issues: Unlike virtual interviews, in-person meetings eliminate problems with internet connectivity, audio, or video.
- Easier Collaboration Among Interviewers: Panel interviews or meetings with multiple team members can be smoother and more interactive in person.
- Opportunity to Assess Soft Skills in Context: How a candidate interacts with reception staff, handles small talk, or navigates an unfamiliar office can offer insight into their interpersonal skills.
- Reduced Risk of Misrepresentation: It’s more difficult for candidates to rely on outside help or scripted answers when interviewing face-to-face.
Is a hybrid hiring model the future?
Even though the location where companies want employees to work is still largely up for debate, it’s clear that organizations favour virtual interviews. The use of remote interview techniques will only become more prominent as AI tools become more complex.
Studies show that 82% of companies now use AI to screen resumes, while 64% utilize it for candidate testing and evaluations. Approximately 40% have implemented AI-powered chatbots to communicate with applicants, and 23% use AI to handle parts of the interview process.
Rather than choosing one option over the other, a hybrid hiring model gives you the best of both worlds. You can use remote hiring practices in the early stages of recruitment and then meet candidates in person during the final rounds.
A final word about remote hiring
Virtual interviews, AI tools, and remote recruitment methods have become standard practice, even for companies that ultimately require employees to work on-site. While in-person interviews still offer unmatched advantages for assessing cultural fit and interpersonal skills, remote hiring brings undeniable efficiency and flexibility to the recruitment process. As we move forward, a hybrid hiring model is emerging as the most balanced and strategic approach, one that leverages technology while preserving the human element of in-person interaction.
Keep Reading! More Insights About The State of Remote Work
Is Remote Work Poised to Make a Comeback?
The Battle Over Remote Vs. In-Office Work: Who’s Winning?
The World’s Best Employers for Salary, Development, and Remote Work. Is Yours on the List?
