Has COVID-19 shown companies that remote work is an effective option?

With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted as more people get vaccinated, it is important to reflect on what we have learned from the challenges this past year has brought us. Amongst the more obvious things like don't take things for granted and that you should always have a backup stock of necessities, many companies have learned a valuable lesson about the workplace.

With most "traditional" office workplaces being closed or having to cut staff, remote work became an important aspect of the new structure for many companies. Companies that were able to make this adjustment were typically less impacted by the financial effects of COVID-19 compared to companies that were not structured to be very flexible.

Now, with vaccinations being administered around the country and restrictions being lifted, many companies are opting for their employees to continue to work remotely. This allows companies to save on costs of operating and maintaining large offices, while still being able to have employees come in to work if preferred or if necessary. Many current companies are redesigning their current structure to allot for more remote work and less office space, and this will certainly effect how future companies design their structure as well.

Gaskell, A. (July 8, 2020). Are We Entering A New World Of Remote Work?https://www.forbes.com/sites/adigaskell/2020/07/08/are-we-entering-a-new-world-of-remote-work/?sh=5b96c94e5959

McKinsey Global Institute. (February 18, 2021). The future of work after COVID-19. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/the-future-of-work-after-covid-19#