To think that COVID has accelerated something that was going to happen anyway?

[malificent7]

In terms of working from home/ distant learning/ high speed internet etc.

I would far rather the kids were socialising in school as it is vital for development but ai u to think that the advent of digital technology has meant more will work from home anyway in the future.
I don't think online schools are a good idea but online offices could be....save on commutes theregore fossil fuels etc.
Just speculating really although it makes me sad to think technology is coming between face to face interaction.

Definitely. My company was aiming for a "digitally based future" in the next 3 years but covid has certainly brought this forward.

"Equally I’m not sure what will happen to our cities if a large percentage of commercial office space is no longer needed."

In my line of work an awful lot of office space is being earmarked for housing. All the utilities are already connected, good transport links etc. Only problem is lack of amenity space. A lot cheaper and less controversial than housing estates!

Another thing is hospital appointments to !
My daughters consultant and I are already agreeing to keep to phone all appointments for her 6 weekly appointment. Physical ones
Only for tests needed etc

DH's firm have pretty much embraced WFH. I worked for them a few years ago and mainly WFH but I was definitely in the minority and when renegotiating my contract (was fixed term) they would only renew it if I worked in the office, which didn't fit round my other commitments so had to leave.

But now they are looking at reducing office space, so can have some workers in but others can opt to WFH once all the restrictions are lifted.

I also think remote learning at schools will become a thing for certain circumstances eg specialist teacher teaching across classes/schools to save costs and share the expertise. Our local MAT had been looking into that before COVID but had not implemented it.

High streets were already starting to change, and this has just accelerated it. I think retail and office premises left empty will be made into residential premises if possible.

@Keepithidden

Apparently 40% of doctors (GP) appointments are now conducted on line. Makes you think...

This is a negative aspect. Doctors say they pick up all sorts of clues to help with diagnosis that they can’t detect online. I really hope this won’t become permanent.

In my line of work an awful lot of office space is being earmarked for housing. All the utilities are already connected, good transport links etc. Only problem is lack of amenity space. A lot cheaper and less controversial than housing estates!
Converting offices into housing is a MEGA scandal already
and makes slum housing

Why does it make slum housing? DH lived in a flat that had meant to be offices, it was very luxurious.

Hopefully all those soon to be permanently empty office blocks will become affordable housing sooner rather than later.

I’ve recently thought that remote learning will mean our children will never know the joy of a snow day!

NoOneOwnsTheRainbow

Teaching/TA is online because it has to be. No-one I've ever heard of thinks it matches the effectiveness of face-to-face teaching, or prefers it, except for a few individuals.

One thing that has come out of remote teaching and learning is that education is far more than the acquisition of knowledge. It's about being with other people. So no, schooling will have some tweaks, but other than that, the FTF model will be the preferred one.

urbanistarchitecture.co.uk/how-to-convert-offices-into-homes-without-planning-permission/

www.theguardian.com/society/2020/sep/27/housing-crisis-planning-converting-office-blocks-homes-catastrophe-jenrick

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25107646

www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-7987217/Lax-development-rules-allowing-offices-converted-sub-standard-homes.html

@Help77 - get a test anyway.

Whilst home working suits some, it really isn't for everyone. I did it for 7 years in the early 2000s and found it very lonely and isolating. Yes it was nice to commute down the stairs, and to be in for parcels, but I desperately missed the camaraderie, support and learning that you can only get face to face. That's especially the case when you join a new organisation, the sense of belonging to a team will be much more difficult. There is also all the other stuff you pick up being around others, bits of information that might be useful, relationships built which can help you do your job.

I have had a lot of battles with home Internet access for 5 days so rather hope OP is wrong. We may need another 4-5 days to get it sorted.

I really like going in to work and hate WFH. I would change jobs if I had to work from home permanently.

"Converting offices into housing is a MEGA scandal already and makes slum housing"

Only if the Building Regs are rubbish/not enforced. Another thing to thank the Govt for.

"This is a negative aspect. Doctors say they pick up all sorts of clues to help with diagnosis that they can’t detect online. I really hope this won’t become permanent. "

The GP surgery I've worked with are aiming to make it permanent. You're right though a lot of diagnosis is easier in person, hence the 40% figure. I doubt it will ever be completely electronic.