Remote Work & Hybrid Schedules are here to stay in NYC

Companies are starting to make decisions on what the workplace will look like in a post-pandemic world.

As the world slowly starts to make a shift back towards what life was like before the pandemic, companies are starting to make decisions on what the workplace will look like. Some are opting for flexible, hybrid work models or sticking to being fully remote, while others are eager to bring employees back to the office full time.

A new study from mid-January of 2022 by The Partnership for New York City¹ unveiled that 75% of employers delayed their return to the office due to the recent rise in COVID cases caused by the omicron variant.

There are advantages and disadvantages to remote work for both employees and companies. Both parties benefit financially, saving money in the form of less commercial real estate and less commuting expenses. Companies can save an estimated $22,000 per remote worker² while employees are saving anywhere up to $5,000 per year on commuting expenses³. Remote work also has its advantages on the environment, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint.

A clear benefit is full remote workforces allowing access to a much larger talent pool than if employers were limited to their geographic area. According to the WSJ, over 7 million households relocated to a different county during 2020⁴. This relocation forces many employees to decide between relocating again, making much longer commutes, or quitting their jobs if asked to return to the office. A recent survey found that 1 in 3 people would quit their jobs if required to go back to the office full time⁵; this is a reality employers will need to keep in mind moving forward.

This pandemic has truly changed the way we look at the workplace. It gives us a unique opportunity to shift the workplace into something that benefits both companies and employees and allows us to explore options outside the norm.