Remote working has the potential to reshape how people live and work, offering greater control over daily routines and reducing the pressures associated with commuting. When adequately supported, it can boost job satisfaction, improve wellbeing, and allow individuals to balance their professional responsibilities with personal priorities more effectively. However, a renewed push by some employers to bring staff back into office environments risks reversing these gains. According to a new study by University of Surrey researchers as part of the European R-Map project, such policies could undermine the benefits of flexible work and deepen existing regional inequalities.
The study, published in Nature’s Scientific Data, shows that the success of remote work depends heavily on the conditions in which it takes place. High-speed internet, access to essential amenities, green space and community facilities all shape whether remote working improves quality of life or exacerbates divisions between different areas. Using data from more than 20,000 respondents across Europe, the research explores how flexible work influences wellbeing, productivity, travel habits and the movement of people between cities, suburbs and rural communities.
Participants in both urban and rural locations were asked to describe their experiences of working remotely, their preferences and the practical challenges or benefits they encountered. The survey was delivered in multiple languages to ensure representation across different cultures and contexts. Together, the responses reveal a complex picture, showing that the impact of remote work varies significantly depending on geographical location and local infrastructure.
One of the central findings is that remote and hybrid working arrangements enhance job satisfaction and personal autonomy. Many people value the ability to choose when and where they work, and the reduction in commuting time often leaves more time for family life, hobbies, or rest. This increased flexibility can help create a healthier work–life balance, making work feel less intrusive and allowing individuals to shape routines that suit their lifestyle.
When remote work is discouraged, withdrawn or poorly supported, these benefits quickly diminish. Those who live far from their workplace may be forced back into lengthy commutes, increasing stress, expense and time pressures. At the same time, towns and rural areas that have begun to benefit from remote workers—through increased spending and stronger community ties—may lose these advantages if workers are required to return to urban offices.
Dr Nikolas Thomopoulos from the University of Surrey emphasised the shift in how cities and towns function, suggesting that remote work can strengthen local economies and reconnect people with their communities when implemented well. Without support, however, it risks reinforcing divisions between those who can access flexible work and those who cannot.
Co-author Dr Tracy Xu highlighted that remote workers rely heavily on strong digital access and nearby services. Without them, workers are more likely to feel isolated and struggle to maintain a balanced lifestyle. The study’s findings make clear that remote work can revitalise smaller towns and offer people greater choice about where they live. Still, its benefits depend on fair access to infrastructure and supportive environments.
More information: Katharina Fellnhofer et al, A large-scale dataset for analysing remote working in urban and rural areas across Europe, Scientific Data. DOI: 10.1038/s41597-025-05972-z
Journal information: Scientific Data Provided by University of Surrey