The past few years have proven that remote working is more than simply a flash in the pan. In fact, despite a vocal minority, many employees welcome the opportunity to eliminate both a commute and rigid working hours from their schedule. Employers, too, are seeing the advantages, recognising that many workers are not only happier when working remotely but also more productive. This shift in the professional landscape, however, is not without its knock-on effects. In fact, remote working is prompting dramatic changes in many aspects of our lives, particularly our living spaces.
Consider, for example, the traditional home. Residents cultivate a space that is built largely around a singular, personal use. In the advent of remote working, this personal space is often compromised with residents encouraged to create professional spaces in the same property. While many attempt to balance this shared use of space, sharing professional and personal responsibilities under a single roof requires considerations for long-term success.
Leaving The City
The most common reason residents give when asked why they have chosen to live in a metropolitan area is their employment. People move to urban areas, most often, for work. Now, with the freedom that remote working allows, the majority of employees are relieved of this obligation, opening more homes up to professionals.
As a result, many are moving away from cities and choosing to live in more rural areas, embracing the nature and space that comes with them. This exodus continues to occur each year, with a clear shift in preference toward rural life and we are likely to see our cities change as a result too.
Shutting The Door
One of the most commonly experienced effects of remote working at home is being unable to switch off. When professional responsibilities were isolated to a shared office space, one detached from the home, residents felt less obligated to continue their tasks outside of working hours. When an office is created at home, however, this is not the case.
For residents to succeed in remote working roles, they must ensure that there is a division between their professional and personal space within the home. Spare rooms and outbuildings, such as log cabins, are very popular because they offer physical barriers that allow professional spaces to be closed off at the end of the day. Modular offices also work well because they can generally be collapsed or hidden once working hours are over.
Divided Spaces
The has been, in recent years, a celebration of open plan living spaces. Bringing increased capacity to a home, as well as a greater amount of natural light, the design was seen to have few drawbacks. Since remote working became more popular, however, open plan living spaces have begun to disappear.
This is because professional spaces require division, like the cubicle of shared office spaces. Those who live with family or friends are less likely to be able to perform their roles if their work is impacting others or if others are a distraction to them.
