As the pressure to reopen the economy grows, so does the fear of going back to the office, according to Anderson, an introverted anthropology professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. He admitted feeling physically ill just walking from the parking lot to his office. Anderson is not the only one who dreads returning to work alone, as many people, not just introverts, share similar feelings of sadness and anxiety. This sentiment is not only fueled by the fear of getting infected, as a Gallup poll found that a majority of US adults working from home would prefer to continue doing so "as much as possible" even after the pandemic. These supporters of remote work are concerned that they, as well as the nation as a whole, may lose valuable advantages that have been uncovered during this unique period of widespread remote work. Some individuals who have never enjoyed socializing with coworkers have experienced increased levels of productivity without the distractions of meetings and office small talk. Those concerned about environmental issues are eager to decrease their carbon footprint by eliminating their 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, Christine Reilley, who serves as the senior director of strategy and innovation for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in Manhattan, used to have to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to catch an early bus before the pandemic. She stated, "I am feeling more well-rested and have more time to dedicate to my work. I personally appreciate the savings in time and money from not having to commute." Some believe that working from home is not as great as it seems, especially for those in blue-collar jobs or essential roles such as healthcare workers, emergency responders, and grocery store employees. Many Americans who have lost their jobs may not sympathize with those still able to work from home. The negative aspects cannot be ignored either. Holding Zoom meetings at a kitchen table with distracted children and irritated spouses in the background is not conducive to productivity. Women find it challenging to voice their opinions in video calls when meetings are dominated by men. The current crisis has 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 while working from home. Researchers have cautioned that problem solving and creativity may be negatively impacted when workers are isolated from each other, leading to feelings of loneliness and boredom. Remote workers have also noted 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, remote work can offer numerous benefits if implemented correctly. One of these benefits is the reduction of time spent commuting, which has been associated with higher stress levels, increased pollution, and respiratory issues. On average, American workers who drive to work spend around 54 hours per year stuck in traffic, according to research conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Additionally, remote work has the potential to increase productivity among employees who are able to work independently without constant supervision. A well-known study conducted in 2014 by Stanford professor Nicholas Bloom looked at remote workers in a Chinese travel agency and discovered that they were 13% more efficient compared to their colleagues who worked in the office. Estimates from Global Workplace Analytics suggest that if half of the population in the United States 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 impacts, such as clearer skies in cities like Los Angeles due to reduced air pollution. However, there may be a resurgence in traffic congestion once people start returning to work, especially if they are concerned about contracting the virus on public transportation. Bill Eisele, a senior research engineer at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, mentioned that even if more people work remotely, they may still use their cars more for local errands. He pointed out that office commuters account for only about 18% of all traffic. According to Global Workplace Analytics, individuals could save an average of $2,000 to $6,500 annually by not having to spend on expenses like gas and day care. Additionally, companies could reduce their expenses on real estate. According to a Harvard Business School working paper from November, the US Patent and Trademark Office saved over $38 million in 2015 by reducing the amount of office space used. Additionally, a study from 2005 found that job satisfaction increased as people spent more time 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 presence in the future. The expectation is that the pandemic will demonstrate to managers that employees can be trusted to complete their work without constant supervision. Many individuals have discovered a newfound appreciation for flexible work arrangements, with the ability to choose when and where they work. Jacquie Benetua-Rolens, a communications and engagement coordinator in California, has found joy in the genuine and unfiltered interactions that have emerged from working from home, including her 2-year-old son joining Zoom meetings in his pajamas. Benetua-Rolens emphasized the importance of being forgiving and understanding towards each other and ourselves, especially during times when we are all juggling various responsibilities. She reflected on her old office cubicle, which she used to love but now realizes she doesn't miss at all, despite her current messy house. Similarly, Jessica Keup, a single mother and computer programmer, moved to her parents' home in rural Tennessee with her son after her company transitioned to remote work in March. Since that time, she has been programming outdoors while her son spends time with the farm animals that live on the large property. Keup mentioned that the peaceful environment has helped her concentrate better and be more efficient. She appreciates not being distracted by coworkers who are socializing or seeking help with technical issues. According to a survey conducted early in the pandemic, many people have a strong inclination towards working remotely. Gallup 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 the workplace. The survey, which included 2,276 randomly selected adults and was conducted online from March 14 to April 2, had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. When it is time to go back to the office, Keup intends to inquire about the possibility of working remotely from Tennessee for two to four weeks per year, citing its beauty. She mentioned that it is calming and rejuvenating, and she will feel its absence. This information is copyrighted by The New York Times Company in 2020.