Culture

Jul 7, 2026 Michael R. Strain

Even during the immediate post-pandemic period, when evidence on the labor-market effects of remote work was scant, there was a strong case to be made for going into the office, especially for younger workers. And now, multiple new studies have vindicated this intuition.

WASHINGTON, DC—My advice for the two million young people who graduated with bachelor’s degrees over the last few months and are just starting their careers: Go to work—not just figuratively, but literally. If you have a job that allows hybrid work arrangements, do not use them. Instead, be at your desk five (or six!) days per week. And if your job is fully remote, start looking for a new one.