GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Networks Northwest recently published Northwest Michigan Hybrid and Remote Worker Study, an analysis of the region’s remote workforce.
The study was based on an online survey of almost 800 people, focus groups, and national data, and it revealed some interesting results.
Janie McNabb, the CEO of Networks Northwest says that 79% of those surveyed worked remotely prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic. They also work for a variety of industries.
Despite the results, some employers, like Hagerty, are changing in person requirements.
In November, the company announced around 500 employees would work in the office three days a week starting in spring 2026.
But, according to the Networks Northwest Study, most employees wouldn’t mind coming back to the office, if they didn’t have to move.
53% of those surveyed said they would stay in the area, while 12% said they would leave, and the rest said they may stay.
Munson Healthcare says that they would love to have more people work remotely, but can’t.
Munson Healthcare Chief Human Resource Officer Shelley Spencer says it is because so many positions are patient and family facing.
However, once they determine the position does not require you to be in the building, they offer the employee the option to work remote.
In fact, of the 8,600 employees they have, 10% work hybrid or remote positions, and love the flexible, especially with the commute.
Spencer says they have found that the remote and hybrid position leads to greater satisfaction. And the employees who do it really love it. ”
In a previous interview with 9&10 News, a Hagerty representative said that remote work remains a vital part of how they operate, but a survey for them revealed that in person relationships matter, and meeting in person a few times a year wasn’t enough.
As for Munson, they see a future that could be a hybrid of in person an remote work through virtual healthcare
While this survey didn’t cover employers, McNabb says there could be one in the future that does.