A large number of major corporations in an array of different sectors, such as Goldman Sachs, Facebook, Ford Motors and Microsoft, have announced plans for dealing with the post-pandemic work life. The consensus of these and other companies all points to a flexible hybrid model championed by Google. This entails offering the option for people to work remotely, in the office or a combination of the two. Outliers, like Spotify and Twitter, are allowing their employees to work remotely or wherever they’d like—forever.
If collectively only 20% to 40% of workers elect to completely or partially work from home, there may be life-changing consequences.
Better Mental, Physical and Emotional Health
The biggest change would be the vast improvement of the mental, emotional and physical health and well-being of workers. Schlepping two hours back and forth to the office takes a toll. You lose hundreds of hours of your life each year. The wear and tear of being stuck in traffic, trapped on trains and buses, inhaling auto emission fumes and stressing out over being late weakens your immune system and makes you irritated, tired and sick.
Without the commute and sitting in the same seat for more than eight hours, people will enjoy a higher quality of life. You would have more time to spend with family and friends. Since your boss won’t be breathing down your neck, you could actually be relaxed around your spouse, partner and children. For the first time in a long time, you’ll be able to really listen to what your loved ones have to say without incessant interruption from co-workers. Helping out the kids with homework won’t be such a chore, as you’re not doing it at 10 p.m. after a long day of work at the office.
The extra time gained back could be devoted to helping out your community. We’ll notice more people taking up new hobbies and going back to sports they used to play, but had to stop, as they no longer had the time. As a nation, we’ll start decompressing. Instead of grabbing a burger and some junk food for lunch at the local corner bodega, you’ll be able to make a nice, healthy meal with fresh ingredients. There will be time to jog, ride a bike, do yoga and go on a long walk to take in some fresh air.
We’ve already seen people leave large crowded cities, like New York and San Francisco. As remote work becomes a long-term reality, more folks will elect to jettison their expensive, small apartments and take flight for tree-lined suburbs and picturesque rural locations.
An added attraction is that outside of major metropolitan areas, the taxes are significantly lower and so is the overall cost of living. These areas, especially places with sunshine and year-round warm weather, will grow rapidly. Meanwhile, city real estate prices will drop precipitously. It may take a united effort by leading corporations and politicians to stop the tide of people leaving and the need to lure them back.
Those who’ve been working out of their homes for over a year may become more adventurous. Some of these people may decide that they seek a fun adventure. They’ll become digital nomads and travel across America or temporarily move to foreign countries for a new and exciting experience. There is, unfortunately, the downside that companies can now recruit people from all over the U.S. and abroad.
Pursuing Meaning and Purpose
The pandemic served as an accelerant to pre-existing trends. The Baby Boomers were all about their jobs and careers. It's different for Millennials and the Gen-Zers that are entering the job market.
With the acceptance of remote work, it opens other possibilities. Young people will seek out companies that offer jobs that are meaningful and serve a larger purpose. They won't accept jobs based solely on the money. They want their company to espouse similar social and political values that they hold.
The virus outbreak and accompanying Covid-19 cases and deaths have made people of all ages prioritize their lives. They understand all too well how life is fragile and fleeting. It will be an era of people reinventing themselves, changing jobs and careers and pivoting to new industries. Some will go back to school, learn new skills and make a new brand start.
There will be a renewed optimism. Instead of the relentless doom and gloom, we’ll be overjoyed that the vast amount of citizens are vaccinated and it's now possible to go to the movies, restaurants, concerts and other events. Furloughed workers will be brought back and new jobs will be created. It will be like the Roaring ‘20s after the Spanish Flu and World War I—a time of rebirth, merriment and unlimited possibilities.
This article originally appeared on Forbes.
