The world of work has changed quite a bit in recent years, especially since 2020, with lockdowns imposed due to COVID-19, which has accelerated the adoption of a new work model around the world, Remote work or teleworking. This has generated one of the most vivid debates between companies and workers on which modality is better.
The decision is not dichotomous, but a range of options opens up, remote or face-to-face work is only the starting point. Each option presents a series of advantages and disadvantages, making there a universal answer. In this article we will present the options, their differences and try to answer… What do the workers really prefer?
The rise of remote work
Before, it was an exception, a privilege of a few and something that many others had not even thought of. As a result of the pandemic, it ceased to be a privilege to become a necessity. After experiencing the freedom of schedules, the possibility of working from anywhere and saving time, 90% of the employees are reluctant to return to the offices every day, according to the Capterra Survey on Expenditures Associated with Work 2024 (Capterra 2024). Of which, 48% want remote work, this positions Spain as the fifth country with the greatest resistance to return to the office.
This modality has become a premise to attract young talent and facilitate conciliation, but on the other hand, it brings with it a reduction in productivity due to the distractions of the home. For this reason, Coworking spaces emerge as an ideal solution to work remotely and go away from home.
The arrival of coworking
When working from home, a number of drawbacks arise, such as distractions with housework or increased feeling of isolation. Coworking solves that, providing a shared space between workers in the same situation, generating synergies between them.
In principle for some, it seems indifferent to attend some offices or others, but the possibility of finding a close coworking and avoids the expenses associated with transportation is a good incentive, referring to Capterra again, 72% think that the benefits for travel They would be a good incentive to go to the offices since almost half agree that they are expenses that the company should assume.
On HM District They discuss what are the points where someone would prefer to go to a coworking office than to the offices of their company. Not only do we find that it speaks of the location, but also that the more relaxed atmosphere of coworking avoids the feeling of ‘putting on their work personality’. In addition, the joint work spaces generate a greater sense of belonging to being smaller, or in our case due to the offsite activities proposed.
ultimately, Coworking is a viable alternative for those seeking a balance between the flexibility of remote work and the structure of a professional environment. Its growth shows that more and more professionals value the possibility of choosing work spaces that adapt to their needs. Over time, companies are likely to consider these spaces as one more option within their hybrid models, offering employees the freedom to decide where they are more productive and promoting more dynamic and collaborative work communities.
Hybrid work. The best of both worlds.
Not all jobs can be carried out remotely in their entirety, since there can be poor communication between the teams or the need to attend an important meeting from time to time. The hybrid model is presented as the most balanced option for these professionals, 74% of employees believe that the future is in this alternative. Combining some key days in the office and others from home or coworking makes it easier to collaborate between teams without giving up the comfort of the remote. According to McKinsey, 58% of employees have the option of teleworking at least once a week.
This option is the most popular among those seeking to maintain a social contract, attend meetings and, at the same time, avoid the daily stress of the traditional office. According to several studies, it is the most desired modality today.
face-to-face work.
While workers prefer a remote or hybrid model, the reality of companies is another. In Spain, almost half of the companies maintain a face-to-face model. Justifying that it is the only way productivity is not affected. In addition, according to Harvad Business Review, connections and work are crucial for professional growth and creativity in team projects.
Despite the digital transformation, there are people still prefer or need to work in person. especially in sectors where teamwork is essential or there is a need for specific equipment, such as manufacturing or the service sector. needing to compete with the other models, trying to provide a safe and attractive work environment
What is the preferred modality?
The future of work will not be unique or uniform, but adapted to each reality, without good, it is clear That remote work first, followed by the hybrid modality, are currently the most demanded options among workers.
In any case, the important thing is that companies and workers find the balance that enhances productivity without sacrificing well-being. On the part of the companies, only 12.6% plans to make some change with respect to the current configuration.
At Freesoul Coworking we understand this evolution and that is why we offer flexible spaces, designed for both digital nomads and for those who alternate between office and home. If you want to test what it is like to work in a coworking, discover our options and choose the one that best suits you.
