The remote workforce has kept business moving even as in-person interactions have ground to a halt. However, with so many people working from home, the remote workforce has altered society.
Some of the effects involve empty office buildings, while others involve psychological and physical changes. Many of the impacts have even gone unnoticed, but they’re sure to continue altering our way of life into the future.
A redefined moving industry
Before the pandemic, people who wanted to change jobs might move to a new city. With remote work, people can switch positions and continue working from home. On the flip side, people can also live wherever they want, as they don’t have to drive to work. So, the remote workforce is changing how and why people relocate.
People are still moving and shipping cars from state to state, so they still need to hire moving trucks and car-hauling companies. The significant difference after the pandemic is that now people are moving for reasons outside of employment opportunities.
Fewer people are going out for business lunches
With fewer people going to brick-and-mortar offices, the number of people going out for lunch or planning business-related meals is shrinking. When businesses leave downtown areas, the restaurants that feed them go out of business. Remote work has also caused retailers and other downtown businesses to close for lack of traffic.
Commuting numbers have decreased
When the pandemic forced businesses to close, the skies looked bluer, and the air smelled cleaner because fewer people were driving cars. Even though more people have returned to their commutes, fewer people are on the roads because of remote work. As workers drive fewer miles, they will have less wear and tear on their cars and need fewer repairs.
With fewer people driving, people aren’t buying as much gas. The unseen result is that states will collect fewer tax dollars. Eventually, roads and infrastructure will suffer from fewer tax dollars paying for repairs and maintenance.
Less business travel
Remote workers use online video conferencing to communicate with each other. Because video conferencing apps are available globally, business travel has decreased. While this negatively impacts the travel industry, it can help boost productivity and increase companies’ bottom lines. Employees spend time working, not sitting idly in airplane seats.
Remote workers moving into larger homes
Remote workers need space to work away from their families and pets. These workers move from small apartments in downtown areas into more prominent homes in the suburbs to accommodate their needs. The large homes give virtual employees office spaces and rooms to close the doors and not be disrupted by children attending remote school and other distractions.
Fewer people are getting sick
With so many people working from home, fewer people get sick while at work. People can stay at home and order groceries and other items from online retailers. It’s easy to stay healthy when you don’t have to work with people who spread colds and flu bugs.
Wrap up
The pandemic forced people into remote working situations. While remote work isn’t for everyone, many people continue to benefit from the convenient and eco-friendly opportunity that has changed society.
