The Spire

Gail Durkin ’26

Opinions Editor

In our post-COVID society, the concept of remote work has become a cemented option for a lot of jobs. Initially just a precautionary measure, remote work has now become an integral part of many businesses, with many offering full-time remote positions that require little to no in-person office time. Of course, this has many benefits and also many drawbacks, but the question is, should remote work remain an option for those entering the workforce, or should we leave it behind with social distancing and mask-wearing and lockdown? I believe that remote work is more beneficial than it is problematic. Here’s why.

Remote work creates an entirely new world of opportunities for businesses looking for specific talent. No longer having to only search for candidates from the town they are based in, businesses now have access to a much larger, more diverse pool of candidates for jobs, allowing them to find the ideal person to fill the role rather than simply the best their town has to offer. It also lessens expenses for these businesses — rather than having to pay for travel business expenses or the cost of supplying an entire office building with electricity and water, these companies can now go without these things, or at least with less of them. 

Working remotely also provides benefits for employees themselves– and I can attest to this. As I am (unfortunately) from Arkansas, I was incredibly worried about finding internships in my field, because Arkansas does not have much to offer and, with fewer and fewer internships offering stipends for rent, I can’t exactly plan on moving to a big city for an internship. Fortunately for me, there are now so many options for remote internships that I can look into without having to worry about living situations or moving. I am no longer limited to my hometown for internships or job opportunities. 

And, that isn’t the only potential benefit. Remote work also reduces commute-related carbon emissions and creates a more flexible work environment. Employees save time by not having to commute, allowing them to have more time to sleep, eat, and relax. This in turn will allow them to become more productive, benefiting the company itself as well. Working from the comfort of your own home also seems a lot less stressful than having to get up early, dress in business casual clothes and uncomfortable shoes, drive to work, and sit all day in a stuffy office. Working from home allows you to still be productive and attend meetings while being comfortable, and may foster more enjoyment for the work the employees are doing if they are allowed to do it from wherever they like. 

Of course, there are some drawbacks — working remotely can lead to home distractions, isolation, and an inability to form deep working relationships with co-workers. However, I believe that the increased productivity and comfort of working from home outweighs the drawbacks and expands opportunities for employees and employers alike. 

Copy Edited by Sabine Hinkaty ’26