It's not better for the environment. UK energy demand went up for the first time in a decade during covid and WFH. How you commute is of course the issue; cars are worse than trains which are worse than walking or cycling. We have seen a significant decline in public transport infrastuture and a rise in energy use. It's hard to argue it's positive.
In short, 100 people in one large lit and heated room is MUCH better for the environment than 100 people in individually lit and heated houses.
https://grid.iamkate.com/
Big debate over productivity. Either way, loads of issues irrespective of WFH
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk...hours%20worked.
Companies save on office space but pay out in other areas; equiping everyones home, mobile phones, long term lack of creative development etc.
Some interesting bits here:
https://www.europeanbusinessreview.eu/page.asp?pid=4793
All of this can be disputed, but i think 100% WFH is very damaging.