COVID 5 Years Later: Impact on the Workplace

The Covid-19 epidemic had a profound impact on American workplace, reshaping the place where we work, and how we take our functions and employee priorities. According to Glassdooor’s lead economist, Daniel Zhao, “There is greater flexibility in the workplace today, whether it means remote or hybrid options.”

Once uncommon, remote work has become the base. When the epidemic was struck in 2020, the offices were quickly adapted to allow employees to work from home, and change how to do business. However, not everyone thinks that this transformation should be permanent. “I think everyone is benefiting from personal work, entry and cooperation. Decision -making is faster. Friendships are made; bonds that are difficult to form are formed when everyone works in their home.” Benowitz, not alone in his belief that over the next five years, companies will return to a prenatal business model. Large companies like Amazon, Google and Apple already require employees to return to the office. “People, to a large extent, realize that people need to be together. We get used to it …. I think you will see more things like weeks for four days with little times,” Benowitz added.

But not everyone agrees with this perspective. Zhao believes that working far here to survive, noting that “it is just an important reminder that although there may be some major companies that make changes, many Americans are working in small to medium companies, and there are many experiences from those smaller and medium companies where they may benefit more than being able to employ all parts of the country.”

What the two sides agree on is that the future of work is likely to be hybrid. In 2021 and 2022, we witnessed “great resignation”. Exit it, offices began to give priority to luxury in general. Each of the employee and the employer focuses on the balance between work and life. Zhao also notes, “There is definitely more awareness about the strength and possibility of flexibility in the workplace. This also means flexibility in hours and allowing workers to leave the office early if they need to capture their children.”

This transformation is especially useful for younger Americans. In 2024, 84 % of the millennial generation and 74 % of Gen Z expressed their desire for more remote work options. However, some, such as benowitz, believe that working in the office is more valuable, “these are the generations that need to be more, on their way there in an attempt to learn. Learn new skills, learn who they are, and make new friendships believe that we are deceiving those younger generations if we do not bring them to the office and we will regret it later.”

While hybrid tables provide many benefits, such as eliminating mobility, reducing stress, and saving more time at home. Companies also benefit by reducing the size of the office space and benefiting from a broader talent group.