A recent study has revealed that the push by some organizations to implement mandatory “return to office” initiatives could exacerbate existing regional disparities across Europe. Conducted by researchers from the University of Surrey as part of the R-Map project, the findings indicate that the quality of remote work experiences varies significantly based on access to resources such as reliable internet and local services.
Published in Scientific Data, the study is based on a comprehensive survey involving over 20,000 workers throughout Europe. It examines the effects of remote work on various aspects of life, including relocation patterns, job satisfaction, and productivity. The researchers highlighted how remote work could either enhance quality of life or deepen inequalities, depending on the availability of critical community resources.
The survey gathered insights from individuals living in both urban and rural areas, exploring their experiences with remote work. It revealed that flexible work arrangements, whether fully remote or hybrid, often lead to higher job satisfaction and greater personal autonomy. Participants reported reduced commuting stress and improved work-life balance, allowing for more time to spend with family or pursue personal interests.
Nevertheless, the study warns that when remote work is discouraged or poorly supported, workers lose these benefits. A return to daily commutes or living far from workplaces can limit options and increase stress. This shift can particularly impact smaller towns and rural areas, which may miss out on the economic benefits of remote work.
Dr. Nikolas Thomopoulos, a lead researcher on the project, emphasized the transformative potential of remote work. “Remote work is changing how our towns and cities function and who gets access to good and rewarding jobs,” he stated. “When it is supported properly, it can reconnect residents and tourists with their communities and boost local economies. When it is not, it risks deepening divides.”
Dr. Tracy Xu, another researcher involved in the study, added, “Our research shows that remote work can genuinely improve quality of life by giving people more choice in where and how they live. Without strong digital access and supportive environments, remote workers can feel isolated and overlooked.”
The findings indicate that remote work has the potential to revitalize rural or suburban areas, particularly as individuals seek more affordable living conditions and proximity to nature. However, the benefits are not uniformly distributed. Access to essential amenities—such as green spaces, grocery stores, healthcare, and public transport—plays a crucial role in determining whether remote work supports well-being.
The study found that workers lacking access to these resources, along with unreliable digital connectivity, reported higher levels of isolation and difficulty in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In contrast, those with dependable internet and local amenities expressed greater satisfaction with remote work and felt more connected to their communities.
The implications of this research are significant for policymakers as they navigate the evolving landscape of work in the post-pandemic era. The R-Map project aims to provide evidence-based insights that can help shape a fairer and more sustainable future for remote work across Europe.
For more detailed information, the full study can be accessed in the publication A large-scale dataset for analysing remote working in urban and rural areas across Europe, available in Scientific Data (2025).
