Understanding the Future of Work: From Remote Working to Coworking Space

Opening Context Remote working has rapidly shifted from a temporary response to a global crisis into a long-term structural transformation of how, where, and why we work. As organisations and individuals navigate this new landscape, the rise of coworking spaces has become a critical factor in reshaping work practices, community building, and regional development. This research examines how these changes are influencing workers’ wellbeing, organisational strategies, and local economies, particularly in rural and regional contexts. Understanding these dynamics is essential now, as policymakers and employers seek sustainable, evidence-based approaches to support flexible work while strengthening social connection and productivity. Research Overview This research investigates how individuals experience both remote working and coworking spaces, focusing on the factors that enable effective working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic and the conditions that support end-user engagement in coworking environments across Ireland. Situated entirely within the Irish context and spanning public, private, and nonprofit sectors, it captures diverse organisational settings. Adopting a qualitative, interpretive approach, the work draws on survey data from remote workers and in-depth interviews with coworking users, managers, and policymakers nationwide, generating an evidence-based understanding of how evolving workplace practices shape productivity, well-being and community. Key Insights / Findings A key finding from this research is that effective remote working depends on a combination of conditions rather than access to technology alone. Workers’ experiences during the COVID 19 pandemic showed that productivity and well-being were shaped by the quality of the home workspace, reliable digital infrastructure, opportunities for social connection, and the ability to maintain clear boundaries between work and home. These factors determined whether remote working acted as a supportive arrangement or a source of strain. A second important insight is that coworking spaces do not inherently generate collaboration or community. Meaningful engagement emerged only when three elements aligned: a well-designed physical environment, active community facilitation, and opportunities for professional development. In their absence, coworking spaces risk limited usage and weakened long term sustainability. Why It Matters This research provides evidence that can directly inform organisational practice, policy development, and community planning. By identifying the conditions that enable effective remote working, it offers guidance for employers seeking to enhance productivity, employee wellbeing, and equitable access to flexible work. These insights are valuable for policymakers seeking to address national digital infrastructure gaps and support workforce resilience, particularly as remote and hybrid models become embedded in Ireland’s labour market. The findings on coworking spaces are significant for local authorities, enterprise agencies, and space managers seeking to improve occupancy and long-term sustainability. By demonstrating that successful coworking depends on well-designed environments, active community facilitation, and opportunities for development, the research helps organisations and policymakers shape coworking as both an economic and civic asset, especially in rural regeneration strategies. What’s Next? This research offers clear pathways for practical application and future development across organisations, coworking operators, and policy domains. Evidence from remote working studies can inform organisational guidelines on flexible work, helping employers design support around workspace provision, digital infrastructure, and boundary setting to enhance well-being and performance. These insights could be scaled nationally through employer toolkits or sector specific frameworks. Findings from coworking research can guide space managers and local authorities in shaping sustainable models that emphasise high-quality workspace design, proactive community facilitation, and structured professional development offerings. This has particular relevance for rural development and digital inclusion policy. Future research could integrate both domains by examining how hybrid models combining home, office, and coworking spaces can best support productivity, community, and regional economic resilience.