The Fight For Remote Work

Ebony Martin 

Remote Work Argument 

Professor Bunn 

February 1, 2026  

The Fight for Remote Work 

Infrastructure in any capacity requires adaptability and efficiency. The infrastructure of the workplace is no different. The COVID 19 pandemic quickly highlighted how vulnerable businesses were to circumstances beyond their control. Specifically, what was the game plan if employees were required to stay at home and couldn’t be at work physically on a day-to-day basis? Despite the frenzy, companies quickly adjusted to the change and adapted their businesses to be functional for remote workers. Now that the pandemic restrictions have ceased and traditional workplace practices are resuming, what’s the argument for allowing employees to work remotely or a hybrid model? 

There is a plethora of reasons why remote work should be allowed and embraced in modern day workplaces. The most important reason, to employees and employers, is employee well-being. Remote work cuts the daily commute to work, the cost of daily travel, and the physical weight of being in a traditional brick and mortar environment. “For employees, remote work reduces commuting costs, with the average U.S. worker saving $4,000 annually on transportation and related expenses. Additionally, workers in remote roles often experience a better work-life balance, which contributes to increased job satisfaction and productivity.” (Martin, n.d.)  Employees enjoy a healthier lifestyle and work-life balance. Thus, in turn, producing happier and more productive employees. The mass exodus of employees from companies that forced return to work mandates is proof the employees value flexibility over corporate loyalty.  

With the introduction of remote work, intercultural communication and understanding it, became more important than ever. With traditional forms of communication being limited, employees had to adjust to working in teams utilizing different conferencing formats, like Teams and Webex. Thus, leading to the imperative requirement of gathering knowledge about intercultural communications. This communication is crucial, especially for remote workers, because web conferencing requires empathy, understanding, and diction. Different backgrounds, literally and figuratively, contribute directly to the importance of understanding intercultural communications.  

Overall, remote work is not only beneficial to employees but also employers. If incorporated worldwide and large-scale, remote work could change the trajectory of human life. It could create a greater sense of independence in employees, increasing loyalty, and producing better quality. Reducing carbon footprint by minimizing work travel can also lead to a healthier and more sustainable Earth.