Nicholas Bloom, an economist from Stanford, and Arpit Gupta, an associate professor at NYU Stern, delve into the seismic shifts in work culture sparked by the pandemic. They discuss the pros and cons of hybrid work, exploring how it contributes to employee satisfaction while revealing its effects on urban development. The conversation touches on the 'urban doom loop,' the transition of office spaces, and the surprising rise of startups amidst remote work. They also highlight the ongoing challenges faced by working mothers in balancing their roles.

Arpit Gupta, an associate professor of finance at NYU's Stern School of Business, dives into the risks of urban decline related to the collapse of office real estate. He discusses the potential 'urban doom loop,' where falling tax revenues lead to worsening public services and further population loss. The conversation highlights the current challenges in the commercial real estate market due to remote work and the impact of high vacancy rates on cities like New York. Gupta also touches on the importance of strategic investments and innovative urban planning in addressing these issues.