Landmark Space, a flexible workspace provider, shares a recent analysis predicting that by 2025, 1.6 million UK homeworkers could face loneliness.
The study explores evolving national working trends, shedding light on the challenges of remote work and the growing shift towards self-employment.
Landmark Space’s research reveals a dynamic landscape in self-employment. While the pandemic initially led to a dip in self-employed figures, it anticipates a rebound, projecting over 5 million self-employed individuals by 2025, constituting more than 15% of the workforce.
Loneliness Risks for Remote Workers
The study identifies a noteworthy trend among self-employed workers, with 32% exclusively working from home, exposing them to potential well-being and networking challenges. A staggering 1.6 million individuals may grapple with loneliness by 2025 due to the lack of traditional office interactions.
Beyond self-employed workers, the analysis delves into the broader category of homeworkers, revealing that over 30% report feelings of loneliness often or always. The absence of social interaction is cited as a common challenge, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address the negative impacts of remote work.
The Role of Co-Working Hubs
Landmark Space’s CEO, Ed Cowell, emphasises the crucial role of co-working hubs in mitigating the risks associated with remote work. As businesses navigate hybrid office attendance patterns, co-working spaces offer solutions to combat work isolation, disengagement, and loneliness.
Capital Economics forecasts a potential 13% reduction in total office stock in the UK by 2025 due to hybrid working trends. Landmark Space’s analysis reinforces the idea that co-working hubs will play an increasingly vital role in sustaining professional and social connections in this evolving landscape.
Remote Working Trends
The analysis identifies sectors experiencing a surge in remote working. The information and communication sector, witnessing a remarkable 269% increase in remote work over the past decade, leads the way. Professional, scientific, and technical industries follow suit, with a 222% increase.
Landmark Space’s findings reveal that the technology sector, a major growth industry in the UK, is actively reducing physical office footprints. Major tech companies, including X (Twitter) and Amazon, have signalled this trend, aligning with a broader shift towards remote working models.
London as a Hub for Hybrid Work
London emerges as a hub for hybrid working, with 40% of workers in the city adopting flexible working arrangements. Landmark Space, with 41 buildings across seven UK cities, notes a substantial increase in self-employed individuals acquiring co-working memberships, showcasing the demand for flexible workspaces.
The experiences of entrepreneurs like Liza Griffen, co-owner of Tyler Griffen, highlight the tangible benefits of co-working spaces. Liza’s positive shift from fully remote work to a co-working environment underscores the value of these spaces in fostering collaboration, networking, and a sense of community.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Emotional Needs
As the landscape of work continues to evolve, Cowell emphasises the importance of anticipating the emotional needs of workspace users. The success of flexible workspace providers, particularly in community-minded dynamics, will play a pivotal role in employee well-being and business retention.
Landmark Space’s analysis serves as a valuable insight into the future challenges of remote work, urging businesses and individuals to adopt strategies that promote collaboration, mitigate loneliness risks, and adapt to the evolving nature of the modern workplace.