Anderson, an anthropology professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, and a self-described introvert, expressed his dread at the thought of returning to the office as the country's economy reopens. He mentioned feeling physically sick just walking from the parking lot to his office. Anderson's desire to work alone is shared by many others, not just introverts, who also experience feelings of sadness and anxiety about returning to the office, even beyond 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" post-pandemic. These supporters of online work are concerned that they may lose valuable benefits that have been discovered during the unprecedented experiment of widespread remote work. Some individuals who have never enjoyed socializing with coworkers have experienced increased productivity without the distractions of meetings and office gossip. Others who are concerned about the environment are eager to decrease their carbon footprint by avoiding daily commutes by car. Additionally, while many parents are eager for schools and day care centers to reopen, some working parents are enjoying the extra time spent with their children. For example, before the pandemic, Christine Reilley had to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to catch an early bus to Manhattan where she works as senior director of strategy and innovation for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. "I am more well-rested now and able to dedicate more time to my work," she stated. She also mentioned that she personally enjoys saving time and money on commuting. While some may view working from home as overrated, it is mainly a possibility for white-collar office workers. Telecommuting is not feasible for those in manufacturing or service roles, as well as essential workers such as health professionals, emergency responders, grocery store employees, and delivery workers. With over 30 million Americans currently unemployed, some may find it difficult to sympathize with complaints from those who are still employed. The other disadvantages cannot be ignored either. Holding Zoom meetings from a kitchen table with distracted children and irritated spouses in the background can hinder productivity. Women feel that video calls make it more difficult for them to participate in meetings where men dominate the conversation. The current crisis has also added to the challenges faced by working mothers. Telecommuting, which was already becoming more popular, excluded many low-wage workers and was met with skepticism by employers concerned about decreased productivity when employees work from home. According to researchers, when workers are isolated from each other, it can negatively impact problem solving and creativity. Isolated work can result in feelings of loneliness and boredom, leading remote workers to put in longer hours. To ensure the success of remote work, employers must provide the necessary equipment and support, as advised by Laurel Farrer, CEO of Distribute Consulting. According to experts and advocates, remote work can offer numerous benefits if implemented correctly. One major advantage is the reduction in commuting time, which has been associated with higher stress levels, increased pollution, and respiratory issues. On average, Americans who drive to work spend 54 hours per year stuck in traffic, as reported by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Additionally, remote work can lead to greater productivity as employees are able to work independently without constant supervision. One prominent study conducted in 2014 by Stanford professor Nicholas Bloom analyzed remote workers at a Chinese travel agency and discovered that they were 13% more productive compared to their colleagues who worked in the office. According to Global Workplace Analytics, a research and consulting firm, transitioning to remote work in the United States could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle travel by over 51 million metric tons annually if implemented half the time. The pandemic has shown some positive outcomes such as reduced air pollution and clearer skies over cities like Los Angeles due to fewer cars on the road. However, once people start returning to work, there may be a resurgence in traffic congestion, especially if individuals are hesitant to use public transportation for fear of contracting the virus. Bill Eisele, a senior research engineer at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, suggested that even if more people work remotely, they may still use their cars for errands close to home. He noted that office commuters account for only about 18% of all traffic. Additionally, Global Workplace Analytics estimated that individuals could save an average of $2,000 to $6,500 per year by eliminating expenses such as gasoline and day care. Furthermore, companies could reduce costs on real estate. The US Patent and Trademark Office reportedly saved over $38 million in 2015 by reducing their office space usage, as stated in a Harvard Business School working paper. A study from 2005 revealed that job satisfaction tends to rise as people spend more time working remotely, up to a certain point. Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics, expects that workers will seek a balance between remote work and in-office attendance. The belief is that the pandemic has demonstrated to managers that employees can be trusted to perform their duties without constant supervision. Many individuals who had not previously considered remote work have now experienced it and are enjoying the flexibility it offers. Jacquie Benetua-Rolens, a communications coordinator in California, has found joy in the more authentic version of herself that has emerged while working from home, including her 2-year-old son joining Zoom meetings in his pajamas. Benetua-Rolens emphasizes the importance of being forgiving and understanding towards ourselves and others, especially during times when we are all trying to balance various responsibilities. She reflects on her old office cubicle, which she used to love but now realizes she doesn't miss. Despite the mess in her house, she has no desire to return to the office. Jessica Keup, a single mother and computer programmer, moved to her parents' rural home in Tennessee with her son after her company transitioned to remote work in March. Since that time, she has been programming outdoors on the deck while her son interacts with the various animals on their large property. Keup mentioned that the isolation has helped her concentrate better and be more efficient. She appreciates not being disturbed by chatty coworkers who may want to socialize or seek assistance with technical issues. According to a poll conducted early in the pandemic, there seems to be a significant preference for working remotely. A Gallup survey discovered that nearly 60% of Americans who are currently working from home would like to continue working remotely "as much as possible" once restrictions are lifted, while 40% would prefer to go back to working in the office. The survey, which included 2,276 randomly selected adults and was conducted from March 14 to April 2, had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. When it's time to go back to the office, Keup intends to request the ability to work remotely from Tennessee for two to four weeks per year, as she finds the state to be beautiful. She mentioned that it is a time for relaxation and recovery, and she will feel its absence. This content is copyrighted by The New York Times Company in 2020.