Work From Home Numbers Reveal Permanent Shift

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(StraightNews.org) – Newly released data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has revealed that 35% of American employees work from home, indicating that the relatively new trend may be here to stay. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the figure was around 24%, though experts say the nature of home-based work has shifted and includes more full-time employees and high earners.

The BLS reports that 54% of home workers earn $1,876 per week on average, or more than $100,000 per year. Additionally, more than half report multiple income sources. The same figure, around 50%, are self-employed and run businesses from their homes, a trend reflecting the explosion in internet-based opportunities.

Studies furthermore reveal that most Americans want to work from home, with 65% saying they would find it less distracting. The figure is significantly higher among women, at almost 90%. The women’s organization InHerSight stated that female workers are particularly attracted to the prospect of working on their own time and being able to set their own daily schedules. The organization reports that 70% of female American job-seekers prioritize flexibility and work-life balance.

Experts describe the advantages of home work as including the ability to get more work done in a shorter time due to lack of environmental distractions and commuting time. Research also suggests that home workers are less stressed than those who travel daily to an office. On the flip side, however, analysts warn that working from home can result in loneliness, and lack of support from colleagues can induce feelings of isolation and affect productivity. Additionally, interaction between colleagues decreases, potentially resulting in miscommunications.

Researchers further caution that home-working impacts the daytime economy, with particular emphasis on restaurants and other dining establishments that would cater to employees at lunchtime. Additionally, sales of traditional work garments such as suits have fallen as working from home has increased. Chris Worley from Fourth Economy Consulting noted that dress shoe sales have dropped significantly since 2019.