Nicholas Bloom on the Future of Remote Work

Hardly Working with Brent Orrell

In March of 2020, the remote workforce skyrocketed from just 7 percent of the working population to nearly 40 percent at the height of the pandemic. The pandemic is winding down but it appears remote work is here to stay.

In this episode of Hardly Working, I’m joined by Stanford economist Dr. Nicholas (Nick) Bloom to talk about the future of remote work, the worker-employer contest over returning to the office, and the productivity gains from different work arrangements: entirely remote, in-person, or some form of hybrid work. After nearly a decade of researching remote work, Dr. Bloom brings with him extensive quantitative knowledge of the subject and a clear, logical framework for understanding what remote work means for workers and businesses.

Mentioned During the Episode:

Dr. Bloom's Personal Website

Brent’s Recent Report: Looking back on a year of remote work to see the way forward

Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS)

Who Can Work from Home?

The Productivity Boost from Remote Work

Workers Would Take a 6 Percent Pay Cut to WFH

J.P. Morgan Requires Employees to Return to the Office

Deutsche Bank Unveils Hybrid Work Model

Patent for Technologies that Support WFH Increased during COVID-19

Michael Strain: COVID-19 Taught Me to Stay Home When Sick

Bloom: Don’t Let Employees Pick Their WFH Days

COVID-19’s Impact on City Centers

Companies Raising Wages during COVID-19

AEI Survey on Remote Work Preferences