Did You Know Remote Work Can Shift Populations?

While many cities worked to bring residents back downtown to live, another urban flight has emerged.

According to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau, the daytime population of traditional U.S. job centers plummeted in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic hit and lockdowns and social distancing pushed more people to work from home.

Along with the impact the shift to remote work had on individual lifestyles and the office work environment, commuting shifts also affected where people spent their money. Fewer workers meant fewer shoppers and diners for small businesses in job hubs. And new research shows some of that population shift may be permanent.

The research found job listings for remote work increased nearly 450% from 2020 to 2021 and at least a hybrid model of in-office and work-from-home combined is likely to be future of working life.

The effects of that demographic shift are likely to be felt for years to come.