Tech is changing work. It's time for schools to follow

The way many people work has changed forever, but until these moves are followed by the rest of society we'll be left with awkward gaps to fill

- Nicole Kobie

Unless you're a tech bro or CEO of a finance company, you might have noticed that the world of work has changed. The days of trudging to the office five days a week for eight-hour chunks is over.

Now, that trudge hasn't applied to me for a good long time. I work freelance, which means a home office and working whenever I like - or more accurately, whenever an editor hires me. I shifted to this style of working more than a decade ago, well before it was cool, but I'm heartened to see so many other people appreciate this style of working.

Surveys suggest that most employees are happy in this new world. A survey from recruiter Robert Half found three-quarters of workers state flexibility in where and when they work influences whether they want to stick with an employer. Another poll, this time from Cisco, suggests that 70% of workers would take a pay cut for more flexibility still. Why? Perhaps because it gives employees an average 55 minutes back of time otherwise lost to commuting. Meanwhile companies benefit as it reduces burnout, slashes sick days and absenteeism, and cuts office costs, all while boosting productivity. This is hard data, too, from the American Government Accountability Office.