More Employees Want to Continue to Work From Home Than Return to an Office

As the COVID-19 pandemic winds down, many are anxious about a return to normal. However, that return might not necessarily mean a return to the way things used to be. Employers should take note: If some or all your employees worked remotely during the pandemic, it’s unlikely they’ll want to return to the office. Among Americans with jobs that can be performed remotely, 59 percent are still working from home most or all of the time. The same study revealed that 60 percent of these workers would like to continue this arrangement once the pandemic is over. Among those who did not work from home before the pandemic, 64 percent say working from home has improved their work-life balance, and 44 percent say remote work has made them more productive. Although these workers admitted they felt disconnected from co-workers, for many the pros outweigh the cons. Employers should take this seriously, especially considering the power has shifted in today’s tight labor market. Turnover is record-breaking at this point, and if you’re not giving employees the working arrangements they desire, your competition will.