In the latest edition of Crain’s Chicago Business, Bold Insight is spotlighted in How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Chicago for its embrace of remote work, amidst the broader shifts reshaping Chicago’s business landscape in the post-pandemic era. 

Five years after the COVID-19 lockdowns, the article examines the enduring effects on key sectors, including healthcare, retail, restaurants, banking, and education. It explores how these industries have coped with economic divides, mental health concerns, and accelerating trends like e-commerce. Despite these challenges, organizations like Bold Insight have seized new opportunities, broadening their talent pools and redefining workplace dynamics.

Pamela Stoffregen-Gay, Managing Partner at Bold Insight, says there’s no going back for the Downers Grove-based user experience consultancy, emphasizing the company’s successful transition to a flexible hybrid work model. “On a given day, only six to 10 employees are typically in the office out of a workforce of 90,” she states. “Teams get together in the office when they need to.” 

Echoing this sentiment, UX Researcher Chris Goesel shares a personal testimony to the benefits of this change, highlighting improved work-life balance through saved commuting time and costs. “In the beginning, I wasn’t used to the quiet. I missed my colleagues,” Goesel remarks.”But my personal life is a little bit better, losing that two-hour commute, not paying the gas and the tolls.” 

Read the full article by subscribing to Crain’s Chicago Business. 

About Crain’s Chicago Business
ChicagoBusiness.com is the news site of Crain’s Chicago Business, one of more than 20 business publications owned by Crain Communications. They are the top source of news, analysis and information on business in metropolitan Chicago for decision-makers in the private and public sectors. 

About Bold Insight
Based in Chicago and London, Bold Insight is a UX research agency that combines the expertise and professionalism of a large agency with the imagination and agility of a startup. This approach allows for responsiveness, a sense of pride and ownership, and the flexibility to exceed project expectations. For more information, visit boldinsight.com or email to discuss your next project.