Work from Home Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak

Bick, Alexander; Blandin, Adam; Mertens, Karel

doi:10.20955/wp.2022.008

Working Paper

Work from Home Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak

Abstract: Based on novel survey data, we document a persistent rise in work from home (WFH) over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using theory and direct survey evidence, we argue that three quarters of this increase reflects adoption of new work arrangements that will likely be permanent for many workers. A quantitative model matched to survey data predicts that twice as many workers will WFH full-time post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, and that one in every five instead of seven workdays will be WFH. These model predictions are consistent with survey evidence on workers' own expectations about WFH in the future.

Keywords: work from home; telecommuting; telework; remote work; COVID-19;

JEL Classification: J1; J2; J22; I18; R4;

https://doi.org/10.20955/wp.2022.008