Like the bread, I just stuck in my oven, the employment of remote workers is on the rise. According to The New York Times, out of 15,000 adults polled, 43% spent time working remotely throughout that year. With technology consistently getting better and faster, more people are finding that they have access to jobs that, up until now, deemed impossible to get unless you were willing to relocate. And it’s not just employees who are benefitting. West Unified points out that a staggering 95% of managers polled agreed that with the option of telework, the employee retention rate was strongly impacted in a positive way.
But there’s one major factor that comes into play when companies are willing to hire remotely, and that’s the amount of talent you’ll have access to. No longer constrained by geological locations, you can reach thousands of ideal candidates from across the globe. But you’re not the only one benefiting from distant workers. The media is full of outstanding examples of remote characters who came to the rescue of the main character time and time again. Even from a distance, these characters were able to render aid to their teammates, and we at DistantJob felt it was time they were celebrated. In no particular order, here are our top ten remote workers from a film or TV show.
*Please note that this post may contain spoilers for movie and TV show plots.*
1. Felicity Smoak – Arrow
Hacking queen Felicity Smoak has proven time and time again in the hit series Arrow that even working from a computer, she can do some severe damage. And let’s face it, without her Oliver Queen would be up a creek without an arrow. With her computer prowess and general sass, she makes remote working look efficient and amazing, but she never forgets where she came from. “MIT class of ‘09.”
2. Haymitch Abernathy – Hunger Games
The burly and unkempt winner of the 50th Hunger Games, Haymitch Abernathy may not appear to have the personality of a great remote worker, but he certainly came through when it counted. Assisting current tribute Katniss Everdeen from afar, Haymitch haggled and negotiated with sponsors to send supplies when they were needed most and even figured out a way to communicate with her by the timing of his gifts. So while his methods might be unorthodox and his manners crass, he’s the mentor you’ll need in your corner.
Want your own Haymitch Abernathy? Check out our 5 Best Personality Types for Remote Work article and may the odds be ever in your favor.
3. Abby Sciuto – NCIS
Forensic scientist extraordinaire and all around good goth, Abby Sciuto proves herself invaluable to the NCIS team time and time again in this crime-fighting drama. Abby’s strengths as a remote worker come into play because while she is probably the show’s most prominent “people person,” Abby knows she works best alone and capitalizes on that. Her ability to pull evidence out of even the most desperate cases is insurmountable.
Know you have a “people person” on your remote team? Help them feel included with our article 3 Ways for Remote Employees to Feel More Like Part of the Team.
4. Ender Wiggin – Ender’s Game
It would be an impossibility to discuss efficient distant employees and not bring up Ender Wiggin. While probably slightly traumatized from the lack of adult interception during bouts of bullying, Ender Wiggin proved to be indispensable to the Command School in which he leads a band of misfits to glory by taking out Earth’s most significant threat using a game stimulation.
5. Chloe O’Brian – 24
When it comes to preventing terrorist attacks and aiding Jack Bauer in his mission to fight the bad guys, there’s no one you want more behind the keyboard than Chloe O’Brian. Trained in specialties such as operational security, intrusion detection, and computer vulnerability, Chloe O’Brian is the ultimate IT worker.
6. Kraglin Obfonteri – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
While Kraglin may have inadvertently started a mutiny against Yondu, he proved himself a valuable employee by not only setting his captain and Rocket free, but he also manned the ravager’s ship and aided his comrades and captain from space while the guardians fought Ego far below. Kraglin’s loyalty was cemented when he warned of the approaching Sovereign fleet and inherited Yondu’s arrow from Peter Quill. The recognition was not lost on Kraglin, and he proudly saluted his captain at the Ravager funeral.
7. Winn Schott – Supergirl
Not all superheroes wear capes, and that’s certainly the case for Winn Schott. Usually aiding Kara Danvers from a computer screen, Winn uses his immense programming skills to locate threats to planet Earth and National City in particular. He took his talents and left CatCo to become a technician at the D.E.O where he has proven himself a worthy addition ever since.
8. Tank – The Matrix Franchise
In charge of the stimulation and jump programs when crew members go into the Matrix, Tank plays one of the ultimate remote jobs aboard the Nebuchadnezzar. Often assisting Trinity and Neo, Tank survives a mutiny just in time to help rescue Morpheus, even offering to sacrifice himself to save the captain. And while we suspect most remote workers won’t be willing to give their lives for their employers, DistantJob is here to help you find your perfect “Tank.”
9. Lyle – The Italian Job
While still bitter over his supposed stolen Napster idea, Lyle validates himself a worthy addition to Charlie’s team. Proving security is no match for his skills, Lyle manipulates the situation in favor of his crew. From hacking into traffic cams and measuring armored trucks with only a Dell Latitude, Lyle may hold a grudge but can certainly come through from afar.
To keep people like Lyle out of your system, check out our security post Tips for Maintaining Security with Remote Teams.
10. Admiral Gial Ackbar – Star Wars Universe
Serving as Fleet Commander for the Battle of Endor aboard Home One, Admiral Ackbar tracked and monitored the battle from his command station and guided the Rebel Fleet in their attack against the Death Star. Uttering one the most iconic warnings a remote worker can speak, “it’s a trap!” Ackbar was vital in defeating the Empire and bringing the Rebels safely home again.
From a gothy scientist to a drunk mentor, remote workers can come in all shapes and sizes. Having a team of skilled remote workers on your company’s payroll is not only going to bring your business unique benefits, but it will also give you access to the untapped talent that you’ve been seeking.
To help secure your group of distant heroes, contact DistantJob and let us help you begin your recruitment journey today.
image credit: Star Destroyer over Jedha City | by Marshal Banana
