Working from home has seen a significant rise, becoming an integral part of the US workforce. Over the last decade, the number of employees working remotely has tripled, making up 2.4% of all workers. The trend is not limited to specific sectors, with growth observed across industries, education levels, and occupations.
Despite the increase, remote work is not evenly distributed across the country. Metropolitan areas with higher wages have seen more significant growth in remote work, with San Francisco and Washington D.C. leading the trend. Additionally, employees who earn more tend to work from home more frequently.
The rise in remote work is attributed to improved technology, changes in laws protecting flexible work arrangements, and shifts in societal attitudes towards work-life balance. Though beneficial for employees, the impact on employers is less clear. Remote work can reduce overhead costs, but concerns about decreased productivity and collaboration persist.
The future of remote work remains uncertain, with the potential for continued growth or a return to traditional work settings. Factors such as the cost of living in cities, advancements in technology, and changes in societal norms will play a significant role in determining its trajectory.
Go to source article: https://siepr.stanford.edu/publications/working-paper/evolution-working-home