What Is The Future Of The Workplace In The U.S.?

After over a year of remote work, employees are starting to head back into the office. Top economists like Gary Shilling, Esther Duflo, Mark Zandi, Mohamed El-Erian and Dan Ariely offer their predictions on how the new, post-pandemic workplace will look. Many believe the U.S. will see an increase in hybrid work and possibly less hours spent working. Watch the video to find out more.

About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more.

Connect with CNBC News Online

#CNBC

What Is The Future Of The Workplace In The U.S.?

[PhoenixDown]

I've been a remote worker since 2019. When my previous company of 10 years wouldn't offer me a remote or even a hybrid work model, even though the entire job was internet-based, I left and went someplace that does. I NEVER want to go back into an office if I don't have to. I don't have to spend two hours of every day of my life getting ready to go languish in an office, chained to a sad desk for eight or hours or more. I now spend those two hours getting more sleep or working on my fun hobbies or enjoying time with my family and friends or just flat out being more productive at work. The less time you spend in an office, the better because at the end of your life, it won't be your previous managers or co-workers by your bedside.

My life has completely changed for the better. I've met so many new people and continue to make new friends in the cafes and coffee shops I routinely work in around town. The only thing I miss is the teriyaki bowl joint that's across the street from my former office. They serve an absolutely fantastic panko chicken and rice bowl. Still kind of sad about that.

[WondererFree]

The guy with half a beard actually burned his face as a kid. That's why half his beard doesn't grow. The hair follicles were destroyed.

[munib]

Why would anyone waste between 1 or 2 and sometimes up to 4 hours per day on travel when you could spend that time with your family before work?

[Marchusv]

Pretty weird that the oldest guy on here is the only one that gets it. Real bizarre seeing this idealized version of what office culture is like from Professors and Economists on some bizarro version of reality where people fine with getting paid differently based on zip code and are suddenly ok with sharing spaces.

[dennisp]

I don't want to go back to the office so much wasted time spent communiting

[LotusKay]

100% Disagree with Dan Ariely, I have a 2 hour 1-way commute into the city. According to him, I’m suppose to waste 4 hours of my day sitting in a crowded metro train and risking my health in order to attend a meeting for one or two hours. This guy makes about as much sense as his facial hair.

[starduststereo]

going to the office every day for 1-2 hours is a total waste of everyones time

[allonetwothree]

Worked from home for a decade and counting Never looked back Don’t miss a thing You don’t have to go back Commit that to your very being Don’t let them bully your mindset Go out and do something for yourself

Employers and big companies created this situation, actually, COVID just provided a window of opportunity Employers don’t lift a finger to improve the workplace, they don’t deal with out of control managers, they don’t provide opportunities and bonuses to the real, hard workers at their companies So no one wants to go back Zero surprise there

[remoterevolutions]

There seems to be a fixation on trying to organize work around real estate rather than organizing how people work around the work.

[a.m.]

I finally have my home office and I love it, I don’t want to go back. Being home has helped my anxiety so much and keeps folks out of company drama. I love it!

[MurangShaBu_MahalNaBiGas]

It's doesn't really make sense, since their company is earning the same money. And living the same location doesn't equal the same skills, they forgot that they hired people based on their skills not location. To be honest they are just power trippin.

[TehxHope]

For many people, remote work boosts productivity and saves a lot of time from commuting and getting ready. I don’t see the point for tech-related jobs to be fully back in office. If in-person meetings are necessary or wanted, then provide an optional hybrid model.

[BrownCow]

Hello World,
Please stop asking management if working from home is the next frontier of the workplace. Reach out to the employees and ask them which do they prefer, ensure a large sample size. Everyone works differently, I like working with my team, but sometimes I just want to blend into the wall and get work done. If my commute is far I would rather work from home or have a hybrid schedule in office and at home. That's just my 2 cents. What do you guys think?

[dabeerdsgamer]

Work/life ratio is SO much better working remotely. I can start earlier because no commute, which means I can end earlier and again no commute giving me even more time in the afternoons. I can run my errands during the week and OMG...actually RELAX on the weekend

[obits]

My company has only offered one day work from home now. Needless to say, I see emails about people quitting every few days. We’re losing key people who were loyal for years because our CEO refuses to allow any flexibility. At this point, I’m honestly starting to believe our leadership is actively trying to reduce headcount with no regard to long term shareholder value.

[FinancialShinanigan]

CNBC: let's talk about the future of work
Comments: WTF is with that guy's half-beard??

[loudboomboom]

I've been working from home for 5+ years. The idea that it can't work is absolutely ridiculous.

[Ahvey_Y]

For the man with half a beard, he stated in a prior video that he was injured and as a result, hair doesn’t grow on part of his face.

[oskir]

I attended therapy in 2020 and when it switched from in person to zoom it was great. I didn't have to drive 20 minutes to therapy instead just being at home and open the zoom app. It worked great and it was much easier and I don't have to stress about traffic and finding parking. I also have more time in doing other things like chores and going to meet up with friends.

[Randomcharacters_]

Big financial companies, let’s bring you back into toe office to sit on video calls with your co workers across the country. See, isn’t that more productive and increase collaboration vs doing video calls at home.