Control.
This entire situation is a struggle for control. In recent months, there’s been a surge of articles and opinion pieces claiming that remote work is on the decline. Headlines proclaiming that “the remote work trend is over” or “companies are calling employees back to the office” seem to be everywhere. But let me be perfectly clear – this is a spin. In fact, it’s propaganda, driven by corporations that are frustrated by the shift in power dynamics between employers and employees. We’ve seen it with unions and healthcare and now they are coming for your WFH options.
These companies are trying to convince us that we shouldn’t want, or even ask for, remote work options. Why? Because remote work challenges the traditional corporate power structure. It gives employees more control over their work environment and expands opportunities for people across geographic boundaries. It also disrupts the outdated notion that productivity can only be measured by time spent in a physical office. Why measure meaningless KPIs when the #1 priorities should be employee happiness and results? They are, afterall, directly related.
This is the way of the future. The pandemic accelerated a shift that was already in motion – greater flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance. Companies that embrace remote work are not just adapting to current demands; they are future-proofing their businesses. Much of the older generations are resisting it, but you have the power.
The Happiness & Productivity Data:
A 2022 study by Owl Labs found that remote workers reported being 22% happier than their in-office counterparts. This increased happiness also translates directly into productivity. According to a study by Stanford University, those who work remotely at least once a week are 47% more productive. Additionally, a report from Buffer’s 2023 “State of Remote Work” survey revealed that 91% of remote workers say they feel more productive working remotely than in an office. Gallup’s ”State of the Global Workplace 2023” report highlights that employees with remote work options are significantly less likely to experience burnout and more likely to be engaged in their work. A study from the University of Warwick found that happiness makes people 12% more productive, and research from the American Psychological Association shows that employees who report higher well-being are 31% more productive and 10% more engaged with customers, leading to improved service and stronger customer satisfaction
These are not just small upticks; they represent a fundamental shift in how work is done. The counter studies that exist, to the contrary, show minimal decline in productivity, if any.
The Ripple Effect on Commercial Real Estate & Housing
With all of this said, there are significant implications for the commercial real estate market. As more companies adopt WFH models, the demand for office space is shrinking. In cities across the country, companies are downsizing their footprints or abandoning traditional office spaces altogether. This shift is already putting pressure on commercial real estate, with vacancy rates climbing and landlords struggling to find tenants. The last building I professionally rented couldn’t eclipse 70% occupancy.
While this might seem like a negative outcome, there’s an opportunity here to solve another pressing issue that was a focus during the recent Presidential Debate – the housing shortage. Across the U.S., many cities are grappling with a severe lack of affordable housing. As office buildings sit empty, we could be looking at a potential solution hiding in plain sight: converting these unused commercial spaces into residential units.
Admittedly, this transition would be complex, involving zoning and coding changes, as well as significant infrastructure investments. But with the right partnership between large investment firms and government bodies, this could become a reality. Incentives for converting commercial real estate into housing could not only mitigate the financial losses of the real estate market but also help address the nationwide housing shortage. Cities like New York and San Francisco, already facing high vacancy rates in commercial spaces, have begun exploring these possibilities. In fact, some studies suggest that converting just 10% of vacant office space into residential housing could make a meaningful dent in the housing crisis. By embracing this opportunity, we could potentially reimagine urban landscapes, create more affordable living spaces, and provide a long-term solution to both the excess of unused office space and the housing crunch. The commercial real estate market may be facing challenges, but it could inadvertently become part of a much-needed housing solution.
Summary
No matter what, the push to end remote work is not about productivity or collaboration. It’s about control. It’s about corporations and egotistical CEOs wanting to keep a watchful eye on their employees, micromanage their every move, and maintain the status quo. These companies are not concerned about the well-being of their workforce; they are concerned about losing their grip on power.
But it’s too late. Employees have tasted the freedom and efficiency that comes with remote work, and they’re not willing to give it up. The idea that we should all return to the office, as if nothing has changed, is not only unrealistic—it’s regressive. Instead of trying to roll back the clock, companies should be looking forward. They should be investing in technologies and processes that support remote work while fostering a culture of trust and accountability. The companies that realize this will thrive. Those that don’t will find themselves struggling to attract and retain top talent in a world that has moved on. It’s time to reject the corporate spin and embrace the future. We aren’t going back, and that’s a good thing.
