Work from Home Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak

Alexander Bick, Adam Blandin and Karel Mertens

No 2017, Working Papers from Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Abstract: Based on novel survey data, we document the evolution of commuting behavior in the U.S. over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Work from home (WFH) increased sharply and persistently after the outbreak, and much more so among some workers than others. Using theory and evidence, we argue that the observed heterogeneity in WFH transitions is consistent with potentially more permanent changes to work arrangements in some occupations, and not just temporary substitution in response to greater health risks. Consistent with increased WFH adoption, many more – especially higher-educated – workers expect to WFH in the future.

Keywords: work from home; telecommuting; telework; remote work; COVID-19; pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I18 J1 J2 J22 R4 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 72
Date: 2020-06-23, Revised 2021-02-25
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ure
Note: Previous versions of this paper were titled “Work from Home After the COVID-19 Outbreak.”
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (66)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Work from Home before and after the COVID-19 Outbreak (2023)
Working Paper: Work from Home Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak (2022)
Working Paper: Work from Home Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak (2022)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:fip:feddwp:88255

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DOI: 10.24149/wp2017r2

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