I first did home office in 2003 out in Brazil and have done it intermittently since. I really thought it would have become de rigour with the cost savings if nothing else. BYOD also.
However, management culture has been slow to catch on almost everywhere. This virus might give us the lockstep change we need.
There are massive gains to be had. Suddenly, you could reduce the health costs associated with all the air pollution associated with cars. You solve the housing crisis in one fell swoop by converting all the empty office space into flats. People get more off-the-peg day back as they don’t spend 2-3 hours getting to and from work.
Downside, peeps need to make sure they get out for exercise and steps need to be taken to deal with social isolation and also those that suffer abuse at home.
The only people who should go out of the house to work are those that really need to.
Far more services can be offered also via internet. Video calls with GPs with emailed prescriptions is a good example.