Local News
Friday, 12 June 2020 15:26

Remote workers have new flexibility in housing

In just 90 days, things have changed dramatically.  Was it just 90 days ago?  In this short amount of time where we live and how we live has completely changed.

The pandemic has forced people into looking at changes that are adding up to huge impacts.  One of the biggest is the work from home concept.  This idea started as a way to keep employees safe but now is turning into the most popular work trend across the country.  This new mode of "work world" has inspired companies to step away from very large real estate construction projects and lease deals.  Massive global corporations across the country are either going completely or partially remoted.  The list starts with Twitter as they decided to go 100% remote.  Other companies such as Nationwide, Facebook and Barclays are considering a permanent shift to work from home.

It takes 3 months (90 days) to change or form a new habit according to Meyers Research.  Because of the 90 day COVID period we have gained trust and new routine for working at home.  Another benefit from going to a complete remote wowrkforces is that the talent pool would be much broader, as companies could increase the geographic circumference around the office.  This is also allowing companies to look at the opportunity to adjust pay scales.

While this is all good for corporations, what about the people who work for them?  The vast majority are rejoicing.  First, if it saves the company money and they can keep their jobs, then it is a win-win.  Also, the work from home world gives workers more flexibility, cuts down or gets rid of commute time and allows for more family and leisure time.  People are reconnecting with their families.

A recent Gallup poll, shows that nearly 60% of respondents said that they would like to keep working remotely after the restrictions are lifted.

Also, remote work is having a positive impact on our environment, since less commuting means fewer emissions.

The entire family/home environment is changing.  The need to be city life to cut down on commute time has allowed people to realize they can change to suburban living.    Thirty-six percent of people when asked if they would consider moving to a new home if they could work from home permanently said yes.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told the Wall Street Journal that about 75% of his employees expressed some interest in moving to a different city if they could work remotely.  Over 72% of people stated they would move back nearer family in order for their children to have "fulltime" Grandparents and cousins.

What are your thoughts?  Let us know at [email protected]

The impact this type of new work/lifestyle could bring to small town communities would be significant.  Take for instances, Facebook employees average age is 29 and median income is $240,000.  This in it's self should help the affordability of the housing market.

Other things to consider are in the emotional mind area.  Employees get a certain amount of stress from office politics, this would go away.  Also, the connecting to colleagues would go away.  Many people feel that colleagues are their family..  So despite all the upsides their are still downsides to this remote work experience.

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