For the one in five Americans who continue to reside in rural areas, remote work isn’t merely a luxury—it’s a critical lifeline. The urgency to create remote job opportunities is pressing as more of these potential workers face the risk of unemployment. It is essential for us to come together to address this issue.

Rural Readiness for Remote Work

The good news is that many individuals in rural regions are keen to embrace remote work opportunities, provided we can find innovative approaches to facilitate these chances. Recent research conducted by Generation, the non-profit I oversee, reveals this readiness. Our goal was to investigate midcareer and older workers, who represent a growing part of the labor force yet often face prolonged unemployment.

The State of Employment in Rural Areas

To delve deeper into the challenges faced by this demographic, we partnered with YouGov to survey over 500 individuals aged 45 and older living in rural regions across 17 states, primarily within Appalachia and the Delta. Alarmingly, nearly half of those surveyed were unemployed, highlighting a concerning trend in job availability.

The Financial Struggles of Rural Workers

Our findings confirmed that many participants are experiencing significant financial distress. Unexpected expenses, such as car repairs or health emergencies, can lead to disastrous outcomes. A staggering 61% of respondents indicated that they could not cover an unplanned cost of $1,000. Furthermore, 37% reported lacking enough funds for their daily needs, while another 32% were just managing to get by. Only 25% claimed they could both meet their day-to-day expenses and save for the future, illustrating the precarious nature of their employment circumstances.

Defining Quality Jobs

It was also evident that local economies are not generating sufficient job opportunities. However, our survey shed light on how persistent job insecurity shapes respondents’ expectations of a quality job. When asked to define a “high-quality job,” participants focused on three key elements: competitive compensation, predictable full-time hours, and stable employment. Based on these criteria, only 6% felt that their local area offered “many” such jobs, while 35% believed there were “few or none.”

Reluctance to Relocate

When exploring potential solutions, it became clear that expecting rural workers to relocate for better opportunities is largely impractical. Only 24% considered moving to a new location as “somewhat likely,” with just 8% indicating they would be “very likely” to do so. This reluctance stems from a mix of uncertainty about the financial burdens of moving and the emotional ties to their communities. This trend aligns with research from the Brookings Institution, which indicates a significant decline in geographic mobility within the U.S.

The Potential of Remote Work

Given the lack of local job creation and reluctance to relocate, one path forward is to expand remote work opportunities. Our survey indicated a surprising openness among respondents to learn new skills, despite 71% having not participated in formal job training in the past three years. Approximately 50% expressed interest in developing new skills for career advancement, while 75% indicated they would pursue courses to enhance their competitiveness for remote work roles.

Addressing the Need for Skills Training

While seizing these remote work opportunities is crucial, companies must also focus on creating effective online training programs that meet workforce needs. Future investments in training should address the concerns of local workers and ensure that the programs are accessible and relevant. However, we find ourselves at a critical juncture: the ongoing backlash against remote work is already leading to a decline in such opportunities.

It’s time to rethink our discussion surrounding remote work. The focus should not solely be on corporate culture, productivity, or employee wellness; for rural Americans, this issue is about fundamental access to the job market. If we expand remote work opportunities wisely, we can bridge the divide and provide rural workers with the jobs they desperately need.

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions or beliefs of Fortune.

Remote Work: A Crucial Opportunity for Rural Americans

For many individuals living in rural America, remote work represents a vital opportunity rather than a luxury. As the job landscape continues to shift due to various economic factors, the urgency to expand remote work options for those in rural regions has never been clearer.

Understanding the Rural Workforce Dynamics

Recent studies highlight that a significant portion of the rural workforce, especially those aged 45 and older, is facing persistent unemployment. This segment of the population grapples with long-term poverty that is notably more severe in rural counties compared to urban areas. As such, the call for innovative job solutions is more pressing than ever.

Key Findings from Recent Research

A recent survey involving over 500 rural residents indicates a stark reality: many individuals are struggling financially. The survey, which examined residents from 17 states, found that a staggering 61% of individuals aged 45+ cannot afford unexpected expenses like a $1,000 medical bill. Many are living paycheck to paycheck, with only a quarter indicating that they can not only meet their daily needs but also save for the future.

The Definition of a “Good Job” in Rural Areas

When asked about what constitutes a high-quality job, respondents focused on essential criteria such as competitive wages, consistent full-time hours, and stable employment. Unfortunately, only 6% reported that their local job market offers many such opportunities, while 35% indicated that these jobs are few or nonexistent. This gap underscores the pressing need for job creation in rural communities.

The Challenge of Geographic Mobility

Relocation to find better job opportunities is not a viable solution for most rural workers. The survey revealed that only a small percentage would consider moving for work, largely due to financial constraints and strong community ties. This reflects a broader trend of declining geographic mobility in the U.S.

The Promise of Remote Work

Given the limited relocation options, the focus shifts towards expanding remote work opportunities. Despite low participation in formal job training, a significant portion of the surveyed individuals expressed a willingness to learn new skills that could enable them to pursue remote jobs. Specifically, 75% stated they would be interested in courses that enhance their competitiveness in remote job markets.

Next Steps for Companies and Workforce Development

To harness this eagerness for skill development, companies must not only recognize the business case for remote work but also invest in relevant training programs. Cost-effective, accessible online training initiatives are essential for equipping rural workers with the skills they need to succeed in the evolving job landscape.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Remote Work Expansion

While geographic challenges pose significant barriers, expanding remote work opportunities represents a promising solution. It is crucial for discussions around remote work to consider the unique needs of rural Americans. By doing so, we can create pathways to economic independence and help ensure that these communities are not left behind as the job market evolves.