Solutions with Henry Blodget Why Companies Should Embrace Remote Work
Dec 15, 2025
Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford University economics professor renowned for his research on remote work, shares compelling insights on the benefits of hybrid work models. He reveals that companies adopting remote strategies see increased productivity and employee retention. Bloom discusses the optimal balance of three in-office days per week, challenges the reasoning behind CEO mandates for full office returns, and emphasizes the economic advantages of flexibility. Plus, he explains how hybrid work transforms city landscapes and promotes leisure activities.
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Adopt A Three-Day Hybrid Rhythm
- Do adopt a three-days-in, two-days-at-home hybrid schedule for managers and professionals when possible.
- This reduces quits by about a third while keeping performance roughly the same according to a randomized trial at Trip.com.
Amazon's Return-To-Office As Downsizing Tool
- Nicholas Bloom recounts Amazon's five-day return as a cheap way to downsize and force departures.
- He notes Amazon lost many AI and cloud staff after that mandate.
Remote Work Had Momentum Pre‑Pandemic
- Work-from-home was rising long before COVID due to tech improvements; the pandemic permanently accelerated it.
- US remote-work days jumped from about 7% in 2019 to roughly 25% and appear stable.