WFH helped create the AI revolution. RTO could pose its biggest problem.

The work-from-home era, which has largely transitioned into a hybrid model, has left lasting impacts in various facets of society. Stanford economist Nick Bloom, who specializes in remote work, highlighted six profound changes in a conversation with Business Insider's Aki Ito. One personal impact was a 5% increase in fertility rates in the US and Northern Europe, as noted by Bloom, though he emphasized that the joy of parenthood wasn't facilitated by email.

More broadly, remote work led to a decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels in major cities due to reduced commuting, and the increase in digital communications. This surge in digital interactions has provided a substantial dataset for AI to learn from, making AI development a significant byproduct of the work-from-home revolution. However, the return to the office, or Return To Office (RTO) push, could pose challenges for AI's future growth.

As AI companies scramble for more training data, they're creating virtual workplaces, but they can't capture the full range of human interactions, such as casual conversations and brainstorming sessions. Such organic collaboration and innovation might be lost if companies start recording every conversation to improve their AI models.

Legal and regulatory concerns would arise, and the current unease among workers about AI replacing their jobs could be exacerbated. Despite billions invested in AI and its potential for significant returns, finding a balance between collecting data and respecting privacy rights will be crucial. On a more optimistic note, the future workforce will include babies born during the WFH era, providing potential reinforcements for the tech industry.