## Is Work from Home Dead?

Recently, many **business leaders** have called for a return to the office full-time, dismissing the **remote work movement** as mere nonsense. David Harrison, from Charter Hall, voiced this sentiment at a property summit, but the push to revert to traditional office work overlooks the significant **economic advantages** of hybrid models.

![Illustration by Simon Letch](https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.56%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/q_86%2Cf_auto/f08a7a7fb3bcc49b848dc7f5c0fcde34bfd85203)

## Economic Insights from Experts

The **International Monetary Fund (IMF)** has highlighted how remote work can enhance productivity and stimulate economic growth. According to Stanford professor **Nicholas Bloom**, the benefits of remote work extend to firms, employees, and society, making it a **transformative** change in the workforce.

## Flexibility and Access to Employment

About **one-third of Australian jobs** can be performed remotely, providing much-needed **flexibility** for those on the fringes of the labor market. Remote work has particularly benefited caregivers, people with disabilities, and older individuals seeking employment, allowing them to participate in the workforce more easily.

## The Impact on Commuting and Environment

The shift to remote work has also reduced traffic congestion, with the **IMF** estimating a **10% reduction in commuting traffic volumes** in the US and Europe. This shift has significant implications for carbon emissions and urban infrastructure.

## Hybrid Work Models Gain Popularity

Currently, around **60% of managers and professionals** in Australia work from home regularly, a significant increase from **5%** before the pandemic. Hybrid work models, where employees split their time between the office and home, have proven to be just as effective as traditional office settings, with **higher job satisfaction** and lower turnover rates.

## Conclusion

The evidence is clear: remote work is not just a passing trend; it is a critical component of modern employment that offers **economic, social, and environmental benefits**. A return to the pre-pandemic office model would hinder progress and overlook the advantages that remote work brings to the workforce and the economy.

There’s nothing “nonsense” about the changing way we work – or the economic bonus it brings – even if some senior business figures don’t want to believe it.

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