Remote work and schooling options should become the norm

Seriously Kidding

FRANK KIDD @FK446852315

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the operations of workplaces and universities. The virus made working and learning remotely a necessary alternative. This period of remote work and education resulted in some improvements that should not be forgotten amidst the push for a return to normalcy.

Workers and students have more flexibility when they stay home. This makes balancing various obligations easier.

Remote operations reduce costs for students and workers by eliminating commuting expenses. Costs are also reduced for employers who’ve saved money on business travel. Eliminating commutes also reduces the negative impact that the most popular modes of transportation have on the environment. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions fell 4.6% in 2020 according to the International Monetary Fund, partially due to a decrease in transportation.

Advocates for a return to in-

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person classes have already gotten their way, as nearly all university classes are in person. They made a point of the decrease in student performance; however, the degree of that discrepancy is difficult to measure, especially when only considering college students and excluding K-12 numbers. If the extent of the difference is minimal, it would be fairer for universities to offer more online or hybrid options for students who feel that they are capable of learning that way.

Promoters of a return to work, namely bosses, claim that a decrease in productivity is the reason. However, there is no solid evidence to support a marked change following the widespread implementation of telework. Given that no definitive conclusion has been reached, employees should be given the option to work remotely.

Another reason cited as a benefit of in-person work and learning is the social aspect. Deriders of remote operations point to the fact that humans are social creatures that benefit from the interactions that work and school provide.

This is true to an extent; however, it bears mentioning that the interactions in this sense are forced. Typically time spent work- ing around a group of work or school colleagues isn’t as fulfilling as time spent around close friends. With the time saved from remote operations, people would have more time to spend with their friends. They could join clubs or community groups which has a built-in common interest that isn’t guaranteed when randomly meeting someone in an office or school. The motivations of some behind the push to return to in- person are questionable. Many of the proponents of a return to work have something to gain financially or are being influenced by those that do. For instance, an article published by Jason Hughes the CEO of commercial real estate company Hughes Marino on the negatives of working from home. His business’ ability to profit was a reason noticeably missing from the list. His article on this issue is just as valuable as an article from Exx- on about the downsides of saving the environment or an article from Xbox on the perils of exercise. The increase in the ability to work and learn remotely was a silver lining of the pandemic. The push to eliminate those options is an infringement on personal autonomy and should be rebuffed.

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