Austin News

Working from home has become the norm during COVID-19 and many in central Texas think they will continue this trend following the pandemic, at least occasionally, according to a new survey.

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s recent survey found 65% of residents in six counties believe they will continue to work from home after the pandemic ends at least some hours, Culture Map Austin reported.

Approximately 800 people participated in the survey from Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties.

The survey found that 81% of central Texans are partially working from home during the pandemic, compared to 54% who worked from home some of the time prior to the pandemic, Culture Map Austin reported.

Twenty-five percent indicated they expect to work from home at least four days per week once the threat of coronavirus is over, which is nearly double the amount before the pandemic. Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed said they now work from home at least four days per week – a huge increase from the 12% pre-pandemic.

Since the coronavirus pandemic shut down the economy in March, many Austin-area employers have allowed employees to work remotely. Big-name companies such as Amazon, Apple, Dell and Indeed are a few companies that have allowed employees to work from home, Culture Map Austin reported. Before the pandemic, less than 9% of those in the Austin area worked remotely.

In addition to more working from home, the survey found many expect to cut back on modes of transportation. Sixteen percent indicated they would bikes ride more often.

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority was created in 2002 and is an independent government agency aimed at improving the transportation system in Williamson and Travis counties, according to its website.