0
0
There is a growing trend of the professional working force operating from within their residences. This transition, from central working space to coworking space to home, happened rather quickly. Now, it is not uncommon to see residents create a professional space besides their own living space, converting rooms to become a business hub.
A significant motivation is the prioritisation of a work-life balance. Working remotely, especially at home, means that residents can be more flexible with their lives, removing also the pressure and cost of a commute from their routine. The results are often remarkably beneficial, especially for a resident’s mental wellbeing. Interestingly, what is happening in the wake of this cultural transition is a surge in new businesses and enterprises appearing.
The Start-Up
There has long been the romantic notion of hugely successful businesses starting in only a humble garage. This fable is, in some cases, true. Individuals found themselves with the resources to start something special and needed only a space. Since garages were often empty, customisable, and already a covered expense, they made sense.
Across the modern housing market, there is a need for such professional spaces. Spare rooms are becoming offices and gardens are hosting summer houses and cabins. This is to meet the demand of remote workers. What follows is the predisposition for properties to have a potentially professional space, meaning that the traditional garage when enterprises begin (i.e. free space for professional pursuit) is not only a more common asset in homes but is also more readily equipped to support endeavours.
The Schedule
Remote working and the resulting flexible schedule, as well as the elimination of time-heavy practices like commuting, have also brought a greater degree of freedom among households. Remote workers tend to express greater energy levels that are sustained throughout the day, meaning that, after a day of work, there is more potential for extra activities to occur.
This trend, coupled with properties being increasingly designed to have a dedicated professional space, is leading many residents to consider starting their own businesses. With a greater push for a four-day working week, a lifestyle motivated by work-life balance, there is also an increasingly growing opportunity for side projects.
The Culture
With this energy and environment in place, the only hurdle would have, traditionally, been the culture of business enterprises, those that necessitate in-person meetings, travel, and start-up costs. However, not only has the need for these been largely eliminated but the culture has shifted in favour of the digital nomad.
New businesses are now expected to be online. Meetings are generally virtual, with tasks being completed via collaborative and cloud-based systems. New businesses are, as such, offered a greater freedom to begin.
The same goes for those who want a more artisan pursuit. Hairdressers are opening their doors to clients while cake makers are cooking in their kitchen, both of which are common examples that demonstrate the decentralisation of professional society.
