Will urban areas withstand the sudden increase of home-based work? Yes, it will survive, but it may have to redevelop itself, as cities have historically been the drivers of trade and innovation.

When people and companies came together in one place, they were able to quickly meet each other's needs and share their ideas at the same time, but it appears that technology has diminished those benefits.

Instead, some cities such as Detroit have seen a sharp decline, while others like New York after the setbacks are stronger than ever, according to a report published by the Wall Street Journal of the American writer Justin La Hart.

For decades, people have expected technology to level the geographic competition in the United States, allowing regions without technology-based industry centers, such as San Francisco Bay and urban areas in New York, to attract more high-income people, the author says. . This did not happen, but the Covid-19 crisis could tip the scales.

Communications technology has continued to evolve and workers have become more adept at using it under the Corona crisis (Getty Images).

 Work from home experience

According to Harvard economist Edward Glaser, although information technology has made it easier for manufacturers to move away from cities, it has increased the benefits of approaching them when it comes to developing innovations in industries based on the extensive use of information. Therefore, the cities that contained an important number of intellectuals eventually flourished despite being initially affected by the exit of the manufacturers.

The writer mentioned that communications technology has continued to evolve and workers have become more versatile in its use, especially amid the Covid-19 crisis, as well as the home-based work experience it has created. After companies have confirmed the ability of employees to work effectively without the need to be in the office, companies will continue to follow this method of work.

In addition to not having to pay exorbitant office rent when employees work remotely, talents can be used everywhere, says Christie Johnson, founder of Artemis Connection, a consulting firm that employs 35 employees working from the start remotely.

When employees work remotely, talent can be tapped everywhere (Getty Images)

Branch offices

The author stated that many Johnson corporate clients prefer to continue to use remote working arrangements once the crisis is over. However, Johnson explains that making remote working arrangements is not applicable in all cases, noting that "there are some areas in which face-to-face interviews should occur, such as innovations that should occur in the laboratory."

Companies also need to take into account employee loyalty towards them, which appears when people work together. It is essential to take into account the desire of younger employees to live and work in places where they can meet and socialize. According to Glaser of Harvard University, more companies may seek to set up branch offices to maintain these benefits.

No need to pay exorbitant office rent when employees work remotely (Getty Images)

Live away from the city

Glaser states that allowing employees to work remotely for a few days a week - a measure many employers are likely to adopt to adhere to social divergence until a vaccine becomes available - may represent another permanent change.

The writer explained that many companies will return to their old way of working, but even a partial change in the way you work may have major ramifications.

For example, people who work from the office for a few days a week will be more willing to live away from the city, which may affect the value of real estate. This will reduce the demand for commercial office space, and hurt sales of restaurants and retailers in the city center. All of this means that cities may have to redevelop themselves again.