According to research from Deutsche Bank, a work-from-home surcharge could benefit those who don't have that choice
Many of us have been forced to work from home during the pandemic lockdowns and many firms will be adopting remote working as the new normal.
But for those who decide to make their spare room or kitchen table their regular workplace once the pandemic ends, there should be more tax to pay.
That’s according to a new report from Deutsche Bank Research which says those who choose to work from home should subsidise help for those who cannot.
“Working from home will be part of the ‘new normal’ well after the pandemic has passed,” the report’s authors opine. “We argue that remote workers should pay a tax for the privilege.”
The report suggests a 5% surcharge for home-workers, which would, for example, generate revenue of U$48 billion annually in the US. This revenue would then be used to fund support for low income and essential workers who cannot work from home.
The banking group’s research shows that around half of those polled wanted to keep working from home regularly post-pandemic. But the researchers, led by Luke Templeman, say that the growing trend, exacerbated by lockdowns, is not good news for the economy.
“It has taken decades and centuries to build up the wider business and economic infrastructure that supports face-to-face working,” Templeman highlights.
The report concludes that those who regular work from home contribute less to the infrastructure of the economy by spending less on travel, lunch, and socializing.
