Working from home (WFH) is likely to persist post-COVID-19, with a predicted 20% of full workdays to be spent at home compared to the mere 5% prior to the pandemic. This forecast is based on surveys of 30,000 Americans. The shift is driven by better-than-expected WFH experiences, investments in physical and human capital enabling remote work, lingering concerns about crowds and contagion, and a diminished stigma associated with WFH.
The WFH trend is set to impact cities through reduced spending by office workers, affecting local businesses, and potentially lowering property prices. It could also lead to greater income inequality, as higher earners have more flexibility to work remotely.
On the positive side, WFH could result in reduced traffic, pollution, and urban congestion. The shift could also boost productivity, as workers save on commuting time and companies save on office space. The newfound flexibility could even improve work-life balance, particularly for parents and carers.
The study also found that post-pandemic, workers anticipate spending two days a week at home, with Mondays and Fridays being the most popular choices. The preference for these days could create a long weekend effect, potentially boosting tourism and leisure industries.
Despite these potential benefits, the study warns that the effectiveness of WFH is dependent on childcare availability, as productivity can be negatively affected if adequate support is not in place.
Go to source article: https://nbloom.people.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/sbiybj4746/f/wfh_will_stick_v5.pdf