We’ve talked about online college programs as innovative disruptions that have continued to rise in popularity over the years. A similar innovation is the concept of working remotely. Today, working remotely is not only for “freelancers,” but for actual employees.

Interestingly, this trend has been able to grow only because of innovations in technology. It’s fascinating to consider how changes in technology can have a butterfly effect on workplace culture and employee structure. Indeed, this article states: ‘Technology has enabled work environments that are much more flexible and customizable.”

One company, Remote.com, celebrates “work without boundaries” and has “connect[ed] 2 million+ professionals with remote and freelance jobs using artificial intelligence.” Interestingly, their website further states: “our community of talent and technology is second to none and trusted by everyone from the largest companies in the world to one-man shops.” Indeed, their website includes logos from Google, ebay, FedEx, and Fox. Other companies also exist that foster digital remote employees, such as We Work and Remote Year.

I see some comparisons between digital learning and digital remote work. Although both are unconventional, I think they both try to fill unique niches in the market. For example, digital learning eases cost for students, whereas digital remote work eliminates the need for a commute. Both also foster flexibility.

Both also have similar downfalls: for example, neither creates a brick and mortar “community.” Still, the companies promoting working remotely often combat this by allowing employees to “find private offices or shared desks” to join (We Work) or by allowing their employees to travel the world with other site users who are working remotely (Remote Year).

The trend for digital employees has been gaining traction; indeed, Remote Year has been featured in Forbes, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Business Insider, and The Huffington Post, to name a few. Perhaps we will see the trend of digital remote employees continue to rise, just as we have for digital learning at various universities and colleges.