Remote work, coworking spaces, and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: exploring peripheral and rural areas

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the spread of remote work worldwide. This work modality carries risks and opportunities for workers and communities alike. For individuals, remote work can positively contribute to their wellbeing in several ways, such as granting more autonomy and a better work-life balance. However, remote work, especially working from home, is also frequently connected with physical and psychosocial risks for workers’ wellbeing. From a collective standpoint, remote work has the potential to reduce commuting with positive effects on the environment and may contribute to preventing skilled migrations from peripheral areas. However, data on the potential impacts of remote work on peripheral and rural communities are still scant. This chapter will offer an overview of the risks and opportunities for workers and communities associated with remote work. It will describe the rise of collaborative workspaces as plausible alternatives to overcome the limits of homeworking.