US Work From Home Rate [Chart]
Americans have shifted from nearly two-thirds of days at home during Covid to about one-quarter today, settling into a hybrid rhythm.
Hello Eggsters — This week, in the spirit of Labor Day, we’re wondering: Are Americans still working from home, or is the office winning?
We charted average weekly hours worked from home since 2020, courtesy of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED). This is part of a new data series from the FRED released last week. Thank you, FRED.
Chart of the Week
Average Hours Worked at Home by U.S. Workers, 2020–2025.
The line shows a work from home peak during the Covid years, a slow trickle down, and a new steady state hovering around 27-28%.
Cracking it Open
The Surge: In 2020, Americans logged more than 61% of days working from home. Offices sat empty, pajamas and athleisure wear became the new business casual.
The Retreat: As vaccines rolled out and office mandates crept back, remote hours slid down sharply. By 2022, we were hovering closer to 33% of days worked from home.
The New Normal: Today, we’re stuck around 27%. Not the “work from anywhere” revolution some dreamed of, but not the complete cubicle comeback either. This has been the steady state since early 2024, suggesting a good portion of the economy is supporting work-from-home roles.
Why it Matters
For those who enjoy their flexibility, it seems as though work from home is here to stay for at least a portion of the working week.
This is a far cry from the headlines of CEOs demanding all employees return to the office full time. This scenario also isn’t the work from anywhere, anytime dreamboat that some spruiked as the new “way”.
It feels like we’re landing at an equilibrium on the aggregate. Some flexibility to work from home. Some time back in the office. Which might be the best of both worlds.
Happy Labor Day 2025 everyone.