Re:Someone has to foot the bill for empty offices
by throwawaysea on Thursday June 10, 2021 @03:14PM
(#27464419)
One issue that isn't addressed by hybrid work models is the cost of living, availability of space, and neighborhood character. Those seeking a more suburban life or rural life can make that happen with fully-remote jobs, and in doing so, they can also find cheaper houses, get more land, and have a community that is different from what an urban location offers. But if you still have to to the office a few times a week, then that means you need to live within a commute distance - which limits the kind of lifestyles employees can have.
Re:Someone has to foot the bill for empty offices
by cptskippy on Thursday June 10, 2021 @03:21PM
(#27464496)
When it was announced that we were downsizing our offices and everyone was given the option to WFH if they wanted. One of my coworkers has been building his retirement home in a remote part of Maine. He immediately began looking for reliable remote high speed internet options to accelerate his timeline.
Being able to move into his retirement home early would dramatically reduce his cost of living because he would sell his current home and actually hasten his retirement by a number of years.
Re:Someone has to foot the bill for empty offices
by failwhaleshark on Thursday June 10, 2021 @03:48PM
(#27464852)
I don't know. I know a VP Engineering who negotiated a 2 week office / 2 week remote WfH arrangement at his homestead in Oregon. I think people can negotiate if they have the leverage to do so, be it collective action with many "lowly" employees or individual, high-status employees.
Many such employees from this vocal minority will be cajoled back by employers allowing 1 WFH day. Perhaps more senior employees will be offered 2 WFH days, which to be fair would cut long commutes down by 40% per week.
In most such scenarios it seems companies will still require enough capacity for "peak" usage and instead of sharply reducing footprints will perhaps only delay their office expansion plans as they grow their staff.