I worked in the same office 35 miles away (but 60-75 minute commute) for 16 years until COVID hit. They sent all but the factory workers home. First full COVID year I got my first perfect performance review ever. Second COVID year I got a near perfect and only lost points because of a customer delay.
Last July they called us back into the office but said we had a choice: full time in office or 3 days in office 2 home; 2 days in office and 3 home; or full time at home. I opted for full time at home.
I have already received a decent raise plus 2 bonuses in 2022 so I am confident that my employer knows I am still working hard and getting the job done from home.
The company in January moved 15 miles FARTHER away from my home into a much smaller office (70% less space) making my possible commute 90 minutes or more. (Office is near Boston.)
I save around 500 miles a week, 7-9 hours commuting time, and $7,000-$8,000 in MA income tax 9I live in NH). No way I am going back into the office. Life is so much better now.
Company benefits too as they no longer have to pay for office space for me - plus I am working more hours now than before. When was in the office I worked 8:45-5:15 each day and did not stay late or take work home unless an extreme emergency. Not I routinely work 45-50 hours.
I think it all depends upon the circumstances of the employer and employee and the work that needs to be done...
When my company tried to make my contract remote, we wanted to explain the benefits to the government. For example, at home, we pay for our own internet. Meanwhile, the government needn’t pay for the office space to house us, because our workstation (we’re on rotating shifts) is also slated to be moved from one building to an adjoining building where it would be difficult to make room for it.
Also, having us scattered in different places reduces the risk of us being completely down in a major emergency or a physical attack on the building, which, given the way this country is going, chances of such are increasing. And our data and applications are already in cloud storage, meaning that part of our job is likely already off-campus.
To their credit, they did make a hybrid arrangement where we could work night shifts and weekends from home, so my Pennsylvania co-worker will come down to Maryland for his weekday shifts, sleeping on a cot in the building in between them. Unfortunately, commuting from Florida is unfeasible for me at this time.
For those who are certain that teleworking is just lazy people watching TV, have fun at the office! Please distract my @sshat boss for me since he adds no value to any of my projects.