Actually it is surprising the number is only 50%. My guess is that this is actually a conservative estimate.
I’ve been working remotely for 8 years now. When I first inquired about it I was cautioned by my manager that it might mean a cut in pay depending on what the HR policies were.
I eventually moved from Massachusetts to Georgia at the same rate I was making in Massachusetts. No office politics, no disruptions, no commuting. Life is good. And yes I’ve been working through this pandemic as well.