Just like a freshly baked loaf of bread, the trend of employing remote workers is on the rise. In fact, according to a survey of 15,000 people by The New York Times, 43% of respondents had participated in some form of remote work over the past year. With the rapid advancement of communication and computing technologies, opportunities previously restricted to those willing to relocate are now accessible to a larger, more diverse group of individuals. In addition, a survey by West Unified indicated that a staggering 95% of managers see offering remote work as having a highly positive impact on employee retention.
Businesses now have the opportunity to consider remote hiring, thanks to the availability of a wider selection of highly qualified candidates. No longer are companies limited to hiring those who are nearby; with advancements in technology, finding the ideal candidate for the job is now a worldwide possibility. This flexibility benefits not only the employer, but also the employee. In popular media, we often see distant characters come to the rescue of the protagonist at a crucial moment. It is time to recognize and celebrate these iconic telecommuters from film and television. Here are Works’ top 10 picks for the most memorable telecommuters, listed in no particular order.
This article may contain spoilers for movies and television shows.
Felicity Smoak
, Arrow
In the popular television series Arrow, Felicity Smoak is the hacking queen whose computer skills and sassy attitude make her an invaluable asset, even when restricted to remote work. She has saved Oliver Queen on multiple occasions, showcasing her effortless and thrilling ability to work remotely. Despite her success, Felicity never forgets her roots, proudly stating, “I graduated from MIT in 2009.”Haymitch Abernathy, The Hunger Games
Haymitch Abernathy, the champion of the 50th Hunger Games in The Hunger Games, may not fit the typical mould of a remote worker, but he proved his worth when it truly counted. Despite his brusque personality and unorthodox methods, he managed to secure vital supplies for tribute Katniss Everdeen and communicated with her through the timing of his gifts. Haymitch is the kind of unconventional ally you want on your side when the chips are down.Abby Sciuto
, NCIS
Abby Sciuto, the goth forensic expert and sociable character in NCIS, consistently proves her worth to the team. Recognizing that she works most effectively when alone, Abby has embraced remote work and excels at extracting valuable information from challenging situations. If you have a “people person” among your remote team members, you may be interested in our article, Here Are 3 Strategies to Make Your Remote Workers Feel More Included, which offers useful insights on how to make them feel more included.Ender Wiggin, Ender’s Game
Ender Wiggin is an iconic example of a productive remote worker in Ender’s Game. Although he was initially affected by instances of bullying and a lack of adult guidance, Ender became an indispensable member of the Command School team. Using a game-like environment, he led his misfit team to success by eliminating the greatest threat to Earth.Chloe O’Brian, 24
Chloe O’Brian is a critical remote worker in the television show 24, entrusted with the responsibility of preventing terrorist attacks and supporting Jack Bauer in his mission to defeat enemies. With extensive knowledge of computer vulnerability, intrusion detection, and operational security, Chloe is unparalleled in the IT sector in her field of expertise.Kraglin Obfonteri, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Although Kraglin inadvertently sparked a mutiny against Yondu, he proved his worth as a remote worker in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. By freeing Captain Yondu and Rocket, maneuvering the Ravager, and providing assistance from space during the battle against Ego, Kraglin proved to be a valuable member of the team. His dedication to the Guardians was evident when he predicted the impending arrival of the Sovereign fleet and took control of Yondu’s arrow from Peter Quill. Kraglin’s admiration for his leader was also apparent when he saluted Yondu with pride during the Ravager’s commemoration.Winn Schott, Supergirl
Winn Schott is an example of how not all superheroes need to wear a cape to make a difference. In Supergirl, his programming skills are crucial to Kara Danvers, providing her with vital information to detect potential threats to Earth and National City. Attracted by the opportunities offered at the D.E.O., Winn left CatCo and joined their team as a technician. Since then, he has proved his value time and time again, excelling in his role.Tank, The Matrix
As the operator of the stimulation and jump programs for crew members entering the Matrix, Tank plays a critical role on the Nebuchadnezzar in The Matrix. He proves to be a reliable ally to Trinity and Neo, overcoming a mutiny to save Morpheus. Tank even offers to sacrifice himself to save the captain, demonstrating exceptional commitment and dedication to his remote work. At Works, we strive to connect you with the perfect “Tank” for your job.Lyle, The Italian Job
Despite his previous resentment towards Charlie for allegedly stealing his Napster idea, Lyle has proved his worth as a valuable member of Charlie’s team in The Italian Job. His ability to orchestrate situations for the benefit of the group showcases his exceptional skills and highlights the ineffectiveness of security measures against them. Despite his emotions, Lyle is capable of carrying out remote tasks, demonstrated by his hacking of traffic cameras and accurate assessment of armoured vehicles using a Dell Latitude.
To safeguard against individuals like Lyle, read our With the Spread of the Pandemic, Cybersecurity Is More Crucial than Ever article for essential tips.Admiral Gial Ackbar, Star Wars Galaxy
As Fleet Commander of Home One during the Battle of Endor in Star Wars, Admiral Ackbar led the Rebel Fleet’s attack on the Death Star from the command centre on his ship. Despite his distance from the battle, Ackbar’s strategic insight and decisive actions played a crucial role in the Rebels’ triumph over the Empire, culminating in his unforgettable phrase: “It’s a trap!” His leadership and contribution to the Rebel cause helped to restore freedom to the galaxy.
Hiring remote employees can offer your organization access to a diverse range of skills and expertise, from gothic-style seasoned scientists to industry mentors with extensive knowledge. This not only enhances your business operations and performance but also presents the opportunity to discover talented individuals who may have gone unnoticed otherwise.
Get in touch with Works and allow us to help you initiate the recruitment process for your team of geographically scattered warriors.
