"Remote work does not increase productivity."
Evidence3
At a large IT firm, work from home raised hours about 30% while average output did not significantly change, implying roughly a 20% productivity decline.
IZA paper using personnel and analytics data from over 10,000 IT professionals.
It compares work patterns before and during remote periods with objective output and hours measures.
work hours rose about 30% while output was not significantly higher, implying roughly a 20% productivity decline.
IZA paper using personnel and analytics data from over 10,000 IT professionals.
It compares work patterns before and during remote periods with objective output and hours measures.
work hours rose about 30% while output was not significantly higher,...
A study of 61,182 Microsoft employees found firm-wide remote work made collaboration networks more siloed with fewer cross-team bridges, which can hinder information sharing.
Nature Human Behaviour study of 61,182 Microsoft employees during the shift to firm-wide remote work.
Researchers mapped communication and collaboration networks before and after the transition.
The network became more siloed, with fewer cross-team ties and more communication concentrated inside formal groups, a pattern that can slow knowledge transfer in complex projects.
Nature Human Behaviour study of 61,182 Microsoft employees during the shift to firm-wide remote work.
Researchers mapped communication and collaboration networks before and after the transition.
The network became more siloed, with fewer cross-team ties...
An NBER working paper reports remote-work effects vary by task, with productivity declines in some innovation-heavy settings often cited in the roughly 8% to 19% range.
NBER working paper on productivity heterogeneity in remote work across occupations and task types.
The analysis emphasizes that results differ by job design, especially where tacit knowledge transfer and rapid coordination are central.
In innovation-heavy settings, productivity declines are commonly estimated in the high single-digit to high-teen range, while routine or individual tasks are often closer to neutral.
NBER working paper on productivity heterogeneity in remote work across occupations and task types.
The analysis emphasizes that results differ by job design, especially where tacit knowledge transfer and rapid coordination are central.
In innovation-heavy...