Anderson, an introvert and 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. Many others, not just introverts, also feel anxious and sad about returning to the office, with concerns beyond 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 even 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 unprecedented period of widespread remote work. Some individuals who have never enjoyed socializing with coworkers have experienced increased productivity without the need for meetings and office small talk. Those who are concerned about environmental issues are enthusiastic about reducing their carbon footprint by avoiding commuting by car. While many parents are eager for schools and daycares to reopen, some working parents are enjoying the extra time they have been able to spend with their children. For example, before the pandemic, Christine Reilley had to wake up at 4:30 a.m. in order to catch an early bus to Manhattan where she holds a senior director position at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. She mentioned, "I am more well-rested and able to dedicate more time to my work due to not having to commute, which I personally enjoy." Some believe that working from home is not as great as it seems, especially for those in manufacturing or service jobs, health workers, emergency responders, grocery store clerks, and delivery people who are deemed essential. Those who have lost their jobs may be frustrated by complaints from those still working from home. The additional negative aspects cannot be ignored either. Holding Zoom meetings from a kitchen table with restless children and irritated partners in the background does not promote productivity. Women find it challenging to participate in meetings dominated by men through video calls. The current crisis has heightened the challenges faced by working mothers. Telecommuting was already on the rise, but it excluded many low-wage workers and made some employers apprehensive about potential slacking off at home. Researchers have cautioned that problem solving and creativity are negatively impacted when workers are isolated from each other, leading to loneliness and boredom. Remote workers have also mentioned working 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 can offer numerous benefits if implemented correctly. One key advantage is that employees can work independently without constant supervision. Additionally, remote work can lead to less time spent commuting, which is associated with higher stress levels, increased pollution, and respiratory issues. An analysis by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute found that the average American who drives to work spends 54 hours per year stuck in traffic. Furthermore, remote work has been shown to increase 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. According to Global Workplace Analytics, if half of the United States workforce worked remotely, it could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 51 million metric tons annually. The pandemic has shown a decrease in air pollution and clearer skies in cities like Los Angeles due to less vehicle travel, but this could change once people return to work, especially if there are concerns about contracting the virus on public transportation. Bill Eisele, a senior research engineer at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, pointed out that even if more people work remotely, they may still use their cars for errands near home. He mentioned that office commuters account for only about 18% of all traffic. Global Workplace Analytics estimated that individuals could save an average of $2,000 to $6,500 annually by not having to spend money on items such as gasoline and daycare. Additionally, companies could reduce costs 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 office space usage. Additionally, a 2005 study showed that job satisfaction tends to increase as people spend more hours working remotely, but this increase levels off after 15 hours. Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics, believes that employees will seek a balance between remote work and office attendance for optimal job satisfaction. The pandemic has potentially shown managers that employees can be trusted to work without constant supervision. Many individuals who were previously unfamiliar with 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 including her young son in Zoom meetings, appreciating the genuine and unfiltered interactions that have emerged. Benetua-Rolens emphasized the importance of being understanding and forgiving towards others and ourselves, especially during these challenging times of balancing work and personal life. She reflected on her past cubicle at the office, which she used to love but now doesn't miss at all, despite the untidy state of her home. Similarly, Jessica Keup, a single mother and computer programmer, relocated to her parents' home in Tennessee with her young son due to the shift to remote work caused by the pandemic. Since that time, she has been programming on the deck while her son interacts with the goats, chickens, and peacocks that inhabit the extensive property. Keup mentioned that being alone has helped her concentrate and be more efficient. She is able to focus on her work without being interrupted by talkative coworkers who want to socialize or require assistance with technical issues. According to a survey conducted early in the pandemic, there appears to be a significant preference for working remotely. Gallup discovered that nearly 60% of Americans who work from home would like to continue working remotely "as much as possible" once restrictions are lifted, while 40% would rather return to the workplace. The survey, conducted online with 2,276 randomly chosen adults from March 14 to April 2, had a margin of 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 from Tennessee for two to four weeks a year, noting its beauty. She described it as calming and rejuvenating, and she will feel its absence. This content is copyrighted by The New York Times Company in 2020.