Discussion paper

DP15000 Work from Home Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak

Based on novel survey data, we document a persistent rise in work from home (WFH) over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using theory and direct survey evidence, we argue that three quarters of this increase reflects adoption of new work arrangements that will likely be permanent for many workers. A quantitative model matched to survey data predicts that twice as many workers will WFH full-time post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, and that one in every five instead of seven workdays will be WFH. These model predictions are consistent with survey evidence on workers' own expectations about WFH in the future.

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Citation

Bick, A, A Blandin and K Mertens (2022), ‘DP15000 Work from Home Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak‘, CEPR Discussion Paper No. 15000. CEPR Press, Paris & London. https://cepr.org/publications/dp15000