A survey conducted by online library getAbstract of U.S. employees working from home due to COVID-19 found that 43% would prefer to continue doing so after the crisis has passed. Meanwhile, 68% said they would feel safe returning to the office after the pandemic. In addition, many thought their company’s attitudes toward remote work were changing, with 46% saying that their company would be willing to allow for more flexibility in its remote work arrangements going forward. Before the pandemic, 49% of those surveyed had never worked remotely before. “Our survey is the tip of the iceberg on the seismic, long-term changes the coronavirus pandemic is bringing to how people work, cities develop, employers invest in offices and technology, and what this will mean for our families and communities for years to come,” said Andrew Savikas, chief strategy officer at getAbstract.
The top reasons survey participants cited for wanting to work remotely were: not having to commute (55%), a more flexible schedule (48%) and increased productivity (37%). The biggest drawbacks of continuing to work from home were: possible feelings of isolation (27%), poorly functioning telecommuting technology (20%) and feeling disconnected from the company (19%).