Anderson, an introverted anthropology professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, expressed his dread at the thought of returning to the office as the push to reopen the economy grows stronger. He described feeling physically ill just walking from the parking lot to his office, and he is not the only one who prefers to work alone. Many people, not just introverts, share feelings of sadness and anxiety about going back to the office, even beyond concerns about the risk of infection. According to a Gallup poll, a majority of US adults working from home would like 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 discovered during this unique period of widespread remote work. Some individuals who have never enjoyed socializing with coworkers have experienced increased productivity without the distractions of meetings and office small talk. Those concerned about environmental issues are eager to decrease their carbon footprints by avoiding daily car commutes. Additionally, while many parents are eager for schools and daycares to reopen, some working parents are enjoying the extra time spent with their children. Prior to the pandemic, Christine Reilley had to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to catch an early bus to Manhattan, where she serves as the senior director of strategy and innovation for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. “I am more well-rested and able to dedicate more time to my work,” she explained. She also mentioned that she enjoys the personal benefits of saving time and money on commuting. Some believe that working from home is not as great as it seems, especially for those who are not able to do so, such as blue-collar workers. Those in essential roles like healthcare workers, emergency responders, grocery store employees, and delivery workers do not have the option to work from home. With over 30 million Americans unemployed since March, complaints from those still employed may seem trivial to some. The negative aspects cannot be ignored either. It can be difficult to be productive when trying to meet on Zoom at a kitchen table with distracted children and irritated spouses in the background. Women express that video calls make it challenging for them to speak up in meetings where men dominate. This situation has also added to the challenges faced by working mothers. Telecommuting was already becoming more popular, but it excluded many low-wage workers and made employers concerned about productivity while working from home. Researchers have cautioned that problem solving and creativity may be negatively impacted when workers are separated from each other. Isolated work can result in feelings of loneliness and boredom, and remote workers have reported having to work longer hours. In order for remote work to be effective, employers must provide proper equipment and support, according to Laurel Farrer, CEO of Distribute Consulting. According to experts and advocates, remote work allows employees to work independently and achieve their tasks without supervision. When implemented effectively, remote work can offer numerous benefits, such as reduced time spent commuting, which is associated with stress, pollution, and respiratory issues. On average, American drivers spend 54 hours per year stuck in traffic, according to a study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Additionally, remote work can lead to increased productivity. In a well-known 2014 study conducted by Stanford professor Nicholas Bloom, remote workers at a Chinese travel agency were found to be 13% more efficient compared to their office-based colleagues. Global Workplace Analytics estimates that if half of the United States population worked remotely, it could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle travel by over 51 million metric tons annually. The pandemic has shown some positive outcomes such as reduced air pollution and clearer skies over cities like Los Angeles. However, the return to work may lead to increased traffic on the roads, particularly if people are hesitant to use public transportation due to fears of contracting the virus. Bill Eisele, a senior research engineer at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, mentioned that even if more people switch to working remotely, they may still use their cars more for local errands. He stated that office commuters account for just 18% of all traffic. Additionally, Global Workplace Analytics estimated that individuals could save an average of $2,000 to $6,500 annually by not spending on expenses such as gasoline and day care. Furthermore, companies could also save money by reducing their spending on real estate. The US Patent and Trademark Office saved over $38 million in 2015 by reducing the amount of office space used, as stated in a Harvard Business School working paper from November. A study from 2005 showed that job satisfaction increased with each additional hour spent working remotely, up to 15 hours. Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics, believes that workers will seek a balance between remote work and office attendance for optimal satisfaction. The pandemic has potentially shown managers that workers can be trusted to work without constant supervision. Many people who had never experienced remote work before are now enjoying the flexibility and control over their work schedule. Jacquie Benetua-Rolens, a communications coordinator, has found a more genuine and honest connection with colleagues while working from home with her 2-year-old son. Benetua-Rolens emphasized the importance of being forgiving and understanding towards ourselves and others, as everyone has had to manage numerous challenges. She reminisced about her office cubicle, which she used to decorate with plants and pictures of her children, but now realizes she does not miss it. Jessica Keup, a single mother and computer programmer, moved to her parents' home in Tennessee with her young son after her company transitioned to remote work in March. Since that time, she has been programming from the balcony while her son interacts with the goats, chickens, and peacocks that inhabit the expansive property. Keup mentioned that being alone has helped her concentrate and be more efficient. She doesn't have to deal with talkative coworkers interrupting her work or asking for assistance with technical issues. "The extroverted individuals in the office tend to be more noticeable and talk frequently, which can be overwhelming," she explained. A survey conducted early in the pandemic indicated a significant preference for working remotely. In a survey conducted by Gallup, it was discovered that nearly 60% of Americans who are currently working from home would like to continue remote work "as much as possible" even after pandemic restrictions are lifted. 40% expressed a preference for returning to the physical workplace. The survey, which included 2,276 randomly chosen adults, took place from March 14 to April 2 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. In preparation for the eventual return to the office, Keup mentioned that she intends to inquire about the possibility of working remotely from Tennessee for two to four weeks per year, citing the beauty of the location. "It's relaxing and rejuvenating," she stated. "And I will miss that." c.2020 The New York Times Company.