In-person work flat until 2026 WFH rise, says expert
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — A recent study by Stanford economist Nick Bloom predicts that in-person work rates will remain stable, or “flat as a pancake,” through 2026.
Bloom leads the WFH Research group that has tracked flexible work arrangements since 2020.
The study draws on data from the United States Census Bureau, Bloom’s own Survey of Working Arrangements, and office occupancy statistics.
These sources show diminishing remote work rates from 2020-2022, but a leveling off in 2023 with 28% of work days spent working from home (WFH).
Bloom foresees “slowly rising” WFH after 2026, contrasting most CEO predictions, anticipating a full office return by 2026.
“2023 turned out to be the year of stabilization—and the end of the return to the office,” he told Fortune.
“It wasn’t obvious to me that that would be the case, actually; I’ve been surprised by how WFH rates have stabilized.”
Bloom compares public perception of remote work to the stock market – people continue to be surprised by high WFH rates and strong economic growth.
“Strong economic growth tells us that working from home isn’t the problem you think it is, and it means labor markets are tight, so it’s hard for employers to force workers in.”
