Stanford professor Nicholas Bloom, known for his extensive research on remote work, has emphasized that since early 2023, remote work has become the new normal. His team’s research aligns with the American Time Use Survey, which showed a stabilization in the number of people working from home after a significant surge during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns.
Remote work predominantly benefits those with higher education. Over half of individuals aged 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree can work from home, compared to 22% of those without a college degree, according to the survey.
One major challenge for remote work has been convincing managers that employees can be as productive at home as in the office. Recent research indicates that remote work does not negatively impact productivity and can even save companies money. A study by Bloom and his team found little difference in productivity between workers who were at home two days a week and those in the office full-time. The workers with remote flexibility reported higher job satisfaction and lower quit rates, which can save companies significant recruitment and training costs.
Hybrid work, which balances the advantages and disadvantages of remote work, appears to be a successful model for many companies. Although some large companies still require full-time office attendance, many have adopted hybrid models, offering employees flexibility and maintaining productivity.
During slower periods, like summer, more employees tend to work from home. Bloom suggests that companies might increasingly allow extended remote work during such times, enhancing employee satisfaction and loyalty while still meeting business needs.