This. 100% remote is unrealistic for most orgs. People are coping, just about, right now. But you can see and hear the strains on almost every client call. The exasperation and guilt at the child crying, the frustration when a partner drops in, the doorbell and so forth. https://twitter.com/kief/status/1280074290474475525

Combine this with the fact that good managers are hard to find in normal circumstances, never mind in a scenario like we are in now, and it will be a disaster long term. Destructive micro management on a hitherto unseen scale.

Most people like and want separation between work and home. Working at home two, even three days a week, attending events every so often, periodic travel and then team and company socials, are all very different to being 100% remote.

People can only spend so long on video conferences before fatigue sets in (I have 21 this week, 17 of which I am the primary speaker & will be a zombie by Friday). It is exhausting versus speaking in person. And no where near as emotionally rewarding.

The folks talking the most about 100% remote have a full setup at home, separate space for more than one person if they have a partner, good broadband, multiple monitors. They are generally very well paid. Try that in a one bed apartment in central London or NYC in your 20s?

I say this as someone who has been remote for the majority of the last decade. It is a privilege, but it is not easy. Space is expensive. Equipment costs, work life divisions are hard to maintain. It is absolutely not for everyone.

Companies with offices and, dare I say, travel, will be attractive to most people in the longer term. A balance, flexible working, just not 100% remote.