The Tug of War in Remote Work: What Employers and Employees Need to Know
The dynamic tension between corporate policies and employee preferences persists: How much remote work should be allowed now that the peak of the COVID pandemic has passed? Recent data from Kastle reveals that nearly 50% of employees are still attending the office. This trend has been consistent for some time, indicating that many people continue working remotely at least part of the week.
The Rise of Remote Work and Its Labor Force Impacts
As the equilibrium between in-person and remote work stabilizes, more insights emerge about how remote work has reshaped the labor market. A recent report highlights a significant beneficiary: older workers with disabilities.
Marketplace senior economics contributor Chris Farrell delved into this topic with “Marketplace Morning Report” host Sabri Ben-Achour. Here’s an edited version of their conversation.
Older Workers with Disabilities and the Impact of Remote Work
Sabri Ben-Achour: It appears older workers with disabilities have fared notably well post-pandemic. What does the data indicate?
Chris Farrell: The statistics are encouraging. The employment rate for disabled individuals aged 51 to 64 rebounded more quickly than for their non-disabled counterparts, even surpassing pre-pandemic levels by late 2021 and early 2022. This coincided with a significant uptick in remote work opportunities.
Remote Work: A Boon for Older Workers with Disabilities
Ben-Achour: So, it seems like remote work could be particularly advantageous for these workers. Do we have specific evidence linking telework to higher employment rates among older workers?
Farrell: Absolutely. Research from two Boston College economists shows that in “teleworkable” jobs, employment for disabled individuals aged 51 to 64 increased nearly 12% in 2022 compared to 2018. By contrast, similar workers in non-teleworkable positions saw minimal gains. Clearly, telework has boosted employment for older people with disabilities.
The Aging Workforce and the Compatibility of Remote Work
Ben-Achour: With the U.S. population aging, does remote work better align with the current and future workforce demographics?
Farrell: Many older employees with disabilities are keen to extend their careers but might be deterred by commuting or insufficient workplace accommodations. Telework broadens employment opportunities for disabled workers of all ages, making it an invaluable option.
The Ongoing Debate: Remote Work vs. Returning to the Office
Ben-Achour: Yet, some industries still push for a return to the office. Is there significant resistance?
Farrell: There is resistance, but the pandemic accelerated a monumental shift in work habits that we can’t easily reverse. The adoption of remote work has fundamentally transformed how we live and work, mostly for the better.
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