Anderson, an introverted anthropology professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, expressed dread at the thought of returning to the office as the country's economy reopens. He described feeling physically ill just walking from the parking lot to his office. This sentiment is shared by many, not just introverts, who view a return to the office with sadness and anxiety, even aside from the risk of infection. According to a Gallup poll, a majority of US adults working from home would prefer to continue doing so "as much as possible" after the pandemic. These supporters of remote work are concerned that they, as well as the nation, may lose valuable advantages that have been uncovered during this unique period of widespread remote work. For instance, individuals who have never enjoyed socializing with coworkers have experienced increased productivity without the distractions of meetings and office small talk. Some individuals who are concerned about the environment are eager to decrease their carbon footprint by avoiding driving to work. Additionally, while many parents are eager for schools and day care centers to resume normal operations, some working parents are enjoying the extra time spent with their children. For example, Christine Reilley, who works as a senior director of strategy and innovation for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in Manhattan, used to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to catch an early bus before the pandemic. She mentioned that she feels more well-rested and can dedicate more time to her work due to not having to commute, which she personally enjoys. Some people have criticized working from home as being "overrated," especially since it is mostly an option for white-collar office workers. Telecommuting is not feasible for many people in manufacturing or service industries, as well as essential workers like health professionals, emergency responders, grocery store employees, and delivery workers. Those who have lost their jobs may feel frustrated hearing complaints from those who are still employed. The other disadvantages cannot be ignored. Holding Zoom meetings from a kitchen table with distractions like bored children and annoyed spouses in the background can negatively impact productivity. Women feel that video calls can make it difficult for them to speak up in meetings where men dominate the conversation. The current crisis has added more challenges for working mothers. Telecommuting, which was already becoming popular, excluded many low-wage workers and was viewed skeptically by employers who feared that employees were not working effectively from home. Researchers have cautioned that problem solving and creativity may decline when employees are separated from each other. Isolated work can result in feelings of loneliness and boredom, and remote workers have reported working longer hours. In order for remote work to be effective, employers must provide the necessary equipment and support, according to Laurel Farrer, CEO of Distribute Consulting. According to experts and advocates, if implemented correctly, remote work allows employees to work independently and achieve productivity without supervision. This setup offers numerous benefits such as reducing time spent commuting, which is associated with increased stress, pollution, and respiratory issues. On average, American drivers spend 54 hours stuck in traffic each year, according to a study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Additionally, remote work can lead to greater productivity. A study conducted in 2014 by Stanford professor Nicholas Bloom focused on remote workers at a Chinese travel agency and found that they were 13% more efficient compared to their colleagues working in an office. According to Global Workplace Analytics, a research and consulting firm, if half of the United States workforce worked remotely, it could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle travel by more than 51 million metric tons annually. The pandemic has shown some positive effects, such as a decrease in air pollution and clearer skies over cities like Los Angeles. However, there may be an increase in traffic once people return to work, especially if they are hesitant to use public transportation due to the risk of contracting the virus. According to Bill Eisele, a senior research engineer at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, even if more people begin working remotely, they may still use their cars more for local errands. He mentioned that office commuters only account for about 18% of all traffic. There are potential savings for individuals, with Global Workplace Analytics estimating that people could save an average of $2,000 to $6,500 per year by eliminating expenses like gasoline and day care. Additionally, companies could reduce costs on real estate. The US Patent and Trademark Office saved over $38 million in 2015 by reducing office space, as stated in a Harvard Business School working paper. A study from 2005 showed that job satisfaction rises with more hours spent working remotely, up to 15 hours. Kate Lister of Global Workplace Analytics believes that workers will seek a balance between remote work and office attendance for optimal satisfaction. The pandemic has potentially demonstrated to managers that workers are capable of completing their tasks without constant supervision, which could lead to increased trust in employees. Many individuals who never previously considered remote work have now experienced it and are enjoying the flexibility it offers. Jacquie Benetua-Rolens, a communications and engagement coordinator, has found joy in seeing her 2-year-old son join her Zoom meetings in his pajamas, allowing for a more authentic and unfiltered interaction with colleagues. Benetua-Rolens emphasized the importance of being understanding and forgiving towards others and ourselves, especially in light of the challenges we have all faced. She often reminisces about her old office cubicle, which she had decorated with plants and pictures of her children, but admits she does not miss it at all. Jessica Keup, a 37-year-old single mother and computer programmer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, relocated to her parents' home in rural Tennessee with her young son in March after her company transitioned to remote work. Since that time, she has been programming outside on the deck while her son interacts with the goats, chickens, and peacocks that live on the large property. Keup mentioned that the isolation has helped her concentrate better and be more efficient. She appreciates not being interrupted by talkative coworkers wanting to chat or needing assistance with technical issues. "The extroverts in the office tend to dominate conversations and can be overwhelming," she explained. A survey conducted at the beginning of the pandemic indicated a significant preference for working remotely. Gallup discovered that nearly 60% of Americans who are currently working from home would like to continue working remotely as much as they can once restrictions are lifted, while 40% would rather go back to working in the office. The survey, which was conducted online and included 2,276 randomly selected adults, took place from March 14 to April 2 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. When it is time for Keup to return to the office, she intends to inquire about working remotely from Tennessee for two to four weeks per year, citing the state's beauty as a reason. She stated that it is calming and rejuvenating, and she will feel the absence of it. This information is copyright of The New York Times Company in 2020.