Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there had been a slow but steady growth in the number of workers who performed their jobs remotely. Such work arrangements went by various labels, from remote work to distance work to telecommuting or telework (a term which was used in the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, encouraging federal agencies to engage in such work arrangements). While predictions that much work could be done anywhere arose, the pandemic took remote work to a whole new level as a necessity.

This report chronicles changes in modern office work arrangements across government agencies and private sector companies in response to the pandemic. The report identifies challenges facing both workers and their organisations, and outlines the recognised and surprising benefits from this massive and rapid transition to remote and hybrid work arrangements. After describing the impact of COVID-19 on the nature of work, the report recommends core tools to help government manage a changing workforce and transformed work environment.