Workplace Changes 5 Years After COVID-19

Five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American workplace looks very different. The pandemic forced many companies to adopt remote work, and this change has had a lasting impact. According to Glassdoor's Lead Economist, Daniel Zhao, "there's more flexibility in today's workplace, whether that means remote or hybrid options."

While remote work was once uncommon, it quickly became a norm. When offices closed in 2020, businesses adapted to allow employees to work from home. However, not everyone believes this shift should be permanent. Adam Benowitz, CEO and founder of Vox Funding, argues that it's time to return to in-person work. He believes that collaboration and quick decision-making are easier when people are in the same office. Benowitz adds, "I think everyone benefits from in-person work and coming in and collaborating. Decision making is more is quicker. Friendships are made; bonds are formed that are hard to form when everybody's working in their house."

Major companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple are already asking employees to return to the office. Benowitz believes that many businesses will eventually return to a pre-pandemic work model. He says, "People are, by and large, realizing the that people need to be together. And we're moving back toward that.... I think you're going to see more things like four-day weeks with a little flextime."

However, Zhao believes remote work is here to stay. He points out that many Americans work for small to medium-sized businesses that benefit from hiring employees across the country. Zhao observes, "It's just an important reminder that even though there might be some big companies that are making changes, a lot of Americans are employed at small to medium businesses, and there's a lot of experimentation from those smaller and medium sized businesses where they might get more benefit from being able to hire all the way across the country."

Both sides agree that the future of work is likely to be hybrid, combining remote and in-office work. Following "The Great Resignation" in 2021 and 2022, companies began to prioritize employee well-being. Both employees and employers are now focusing on work-life balance. Zhao notes, "There's certainly more awareness now about the power and possibility of flexibility in the workplace. That also means flexibility around hours and allowing workers to pop out of the office early if they need to go pick up their kids."

This shift is especially appealing to younger workers. In 2024, 84% of millennials and 74% of Gen Z expressed a desire for more remote work options. However, Benowitz believes that working in an office is more valuable for these generations. "Those are the generations that need it the most, that are on their way up there trying to learn. Learn new skills, learn who they are, make new friendships think we are cheating those younger generations if we're not bringing them into the office and they'll regret it later."

Hybrid schedules offer benefits such as eliminating commutes, reducing stress, and providing more time at home. Companies also benefit by reducing office space and accessing a wider range of talent.