economy
May 5, 2026
Why does remote work benefit those who already earn well more? Study reveals the reality in Colombia
The world of work has changed drastically since 2021. What began as an emergency measure has become a modality that, while offering well-being and savings on transportation costs, also hides a bitter side: the increase in the wage gap in Latin America.
TL;DR
- Remote work, initially an emergency measure, has become a common modality offering well-being and cost savings.
- A study in South America indicates remote work can increase wage inequality.
- High-income earners and those with higher education benefit most from remote work due to their roles and better home infrastructure.
- Workers with middle incomes face difficulties capitalizing on remote work benefits due to task type or home infrastructure.
- In Colombia, remote work adoption is low (3.2%) despite its potential (9-21%), with teleworkers predominantly having higher education and formal employment.
- Colombia exhibits the highest level of hourly income inequality among the analyzed countries.
- The digital divide is a major obstacle, with significant disparities in computer access between high-income and low-income workers.
- Expanding remote work without addressing technological access and digital skills could deepen social divisions.