Working from Home

Before 2020, working from home was relatively uncommon in most industries. Although the technology to work remotely had existed for years, most companies required employees to be physically present in the office. The COVID-19 pandemic changed this dramatically, forcing organisations around the world to adopt remote working arrangements almost overnight.

The shift happened remarkably quickly. In March 2020, as lockdowns were introduced across the globe, millions of workers set up makeshift offices in their bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams saw explosive growth, with Zoom's daily users rising from 10 million in December 2019 to over 300 million by April 2020.

For many workers, the experience was positive. Surveys consistently found that a majority of remote workers reported higher job satisfaction, largely due to the elimination of commuting, greater flexibility in managing their time, and a better work-life balance. Many companies also reported that productivity remained stable or even increased during the remote work period.

However, remote work also brought significant challenges. Many employees reported feelings of isolation, difficulty separating work from personal life, and problems with communication and collaboration. Junior employees and new hires often struggled without the informal learning opportunities that come from being physically present in an office. Mental health concerns, including burnout, increased among remote workers in several studies.

The commercial property market was also affected. With fewer employees commuting to offices, demand for office space in city centres declined. Some companies reduced their physical footprint permanently, while others invested in redesigning offices as collaborative spaces rather than places for individual desk work.

As restrictions eased, a heated debate emerged between those who wanted to return to the office and those who preferred to continue working remotely. Many companies adopted hybrid models, requiring employees to attend the office on certain days while allowing remote work on others. Technology companies were generally more flexible, while banks and law firms tended to push for a fuller return.

The long-term consequences of this shift are still unfolding. What is clear is that the pandemic permanently changed attitudes towards where and how work is done. The traditional five-day office week is unlikely to return as the universal norm.