It’s easy to see why the work-from-home model took off during the pandemic, but some wonder if it’s here to stay. If it is, then how would a business decide which employers can come back and which should stay home when things settle down? These are questions that many businesses are asking themselves.

Will it Remain?

One study suggests that remote working is here to stay. It seems that up to 16% of the workforce working from home may stay there—it’s just a matter of figuring out who! This shift towards remote work will affect industries differently as many still rely on face-to-face interaction with clients or customers. 

Many businesses have found the response towards remote work to be a positive one. Some employees love it because they get to spend more time with their families and save on commuting. Employers love it because they can reduce their overhead costs while maintaining productivity. The lack of a required commute also has a benefit on the environment. The positive impact is clear and the technology exists to make the transition an easy one—so while the shift towards remote work isn’t possible for every job, it definitely works for some employees and we don’t see it ending any time soon.

How Will Employers Choose Who Stays?

The answer to this question is not always an easy one. Some employers are going to go the easy route, which is to just ask employees themselves—chances are, a few are bound to want to stay home. If they can deliver quality work, then why not give them what they want? Some employees, however, might not have adequate equipment or a space at home and want to return. Still, some employers may choose to keep workers at home because it’s more cost-effective for their business. Many companies are choosing to adopt a more flexible schedule, allowing employees to choose whether they want to work in-office or at home. 

Major company initiatives—such as permanently transitioning to remote work—should be clearly communicated to all employees. We also recommend meeting with a counselor who can identify and suggest effective dispute prevention strategies to reduce the risk of employee turnover or litigation. The attorneys at Hoover Slovacek are here to help support you—and your employees—during times of transition. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or get in touch.