My company is discussing some internet stipend. I'm all for it, it would be silly to say no to more money.
However, I would have internet whether I worked from home or not. I realize some people may need to upgrade their internet plans, but this probably doesn't apply to most.
Also, if you go outside the company bus shuttle bubble, companies never paid people all the commuting expenses that people incurred. Some _might_ give you a few bucks, but that rarely covers parking, gas, full public transport passes, wear and tear on your car, etc.
Agreed. I think the people that are pointing out social aspects just haven't bothered to talk to people outside of their work. I lived in several different apartments in SF for many years, I didn't know a single neighbor, ever. Most people couldn't be bothered to say hello.
Remote work at tech companies isn't something completely new, it just wasn't the norm. The good companies compensate employees for internet and hardware.
People need to adapt. Just because you can't seem to figure out how to read a book now or listen to pod casts because you only did those things when forced to commute, isn't a good argument against WFH.