The Absurdity of the Return-to-Office Movement::The return-to-office demands make little sense from an overall economic perspective, while working parents, in particular, benefit from not having to waste time commuting to an office, writes Peter Bergen.

  • loopgru@slrpnk.net
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    10 months ago

    Remote work forever, and repurpose the useless office buildings into conveniently located downtown living space to help ease housing shortages and drive urban density.

    • FenrirIII@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Then you need mass transit to pick up the slack, otherwise there’s just as much pollution and waste.

      • loopgru@slrpnk.net
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        10 months ago

        Living downtown typically means a lot more walking, biking, and public transit, precisely because you’re there in the middle of everything. When you’ve got everything from grocery stores, pubs, cafes, parks, cultural attractions, etc all within walking distance, your need to drive anywhere becomes occasional at most.

    • Blackmist@feddit.uk
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      10 months ago

      Who wants to live in a city centre though?

      The only appeal is that it’s close to work, and we no longer need to go to that.

      • Ironfist@sh.itjust.works
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        10 months ago

        Downtowns can become very nice neighborhoods once all those offices and car space are transformed in housing, parks and walkable spaces.

      • stoly@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        It’s so nice to have everything within a 5 block radius. Everything I need is there. No cars, no traffic, just lots of constant exercise and fresh air. When I want to go to a museum, I go to a museum–no gas, driving, parking. When I want to go to a concert, I jump on the subway and go to a concert. But go on, tell us how living in suburbs and breathing the fumes from the car in front of you is better.

          • stoly@lemmy.world
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            10 months ago

            This isn’t 1980. Cities are really not polluted. Those who live in the suburbs tend to be less healthy due to lack of activity and increased exposure to the pollution emitted from cars.

            • Haha@lemmy.world
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              10 months ago

              If you are in the US or EU, maybe? Look at the third words though. This fresh air claim does not apply to everywhere in the world: especially when talking about downtown.