There was a time when work meant a desk, a suit, and a clock-in time. Not anymore. There has been a gradual shift in the workspace scenario. It’s not just about clocking in at nine and heading home at five anymore. These days, work happens at the kitchen table, a coworking studio, your favourite café or even from a campervan parked next to a lake.
We’re in a new era where how we work is as flexible as where we work is flexible. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows that over 40% of UK adults are now working remotely or in hybrid setups. Meanwhile, a 2024 HR News report found that 44% of employees now say hybrid work is their preferred model.
Let’s explore the diverse ways people are working today and how each environment, whether at home, on the move, or in shared spaces, offers something unique for productivity, creativity, and wellbeing.
What is Hybrid Work and Why does it Work so Well
Hybrid work, where you split your time between home and the office is becoming the default for many UK professionals. And for good reason. You get face-to-face time with your team, but also the freedom to work without commuting five days a week.
Some companies are setting fixed work from home and work from office days. Others let employees choose when to come in. Then there are remote-first models, where the office is more of a backup than a base.
It’s flexible & it works! More businesses are also exploring the four-day work week, which has been showing promising results. Trials in the UK have reported higher productivity and better mental health among employees.
It turns out, giving people more say in how they work doesn’t lead to less work – it leads to better work. Let’s explore if it’s the same with where they work.
What does Hybrid Look Like in the Real World?
Hybrid isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are a few styles that companies are leaning into:
- Fixed Hybrid: Specific days at the office and others at home (e.g. Mon-Wed in, Thu-Fri remote).
- Flexible Hybrid: You decide when to show up, as long as the work gets done.
- Remote-First: Everyone works from home by default, but the office is there if you need it.
Each has its perks, depending on your role, industry, and how you like to work. What matters most is clarity. When expectations are clear, hybrid setups can feel seamless.
Home Offices are Offering Comfort PLUS Chaos
Let’s be honest, working from home can be brilliant. You’re in your own space, there’s no commute, and you can take meetings in your slippers if you want.
But it’s not always perfect. Distractions, isolation, and the blurred line between work and rest can take their toll. Many people find it hard to switch off when their office is also their lounge.
A recent report found that while working from home remains popular, it’s often combined with in-person days to maintain focus and collaboration.
That’s where spaces like coworking studios come in.
Coworking Spaces are the New Office
Coworking spaces are a sweet spot between home and office. They give you structure, community, and reliable Wi-Fi, without the formality of a corporate HQ.
For freelancers, remote workers, and small teams, they offer just the right balance. You get to work around other people, but without the distractions of home or the loneliness of going it alone. It’s perfect for start-ups that are looking to lease office spaces without investing heavily in real estate.
And if you’re looking for one, Central Coworking offers modern, flexible spaces designed for exactly this kind of lifestyle. Whether you need a private space to focus, a hot desk to brainstorm with similar people, or just a professional setting to meet clients, they have you covered.
Employees who feel connected to a community at work are significantly more engaged and productive. Coworking helps deliver those connections without the cubicles.
Cafés Are Part-Time Office Work with a Side of Coffee
Some people do their best thinking over a flat white. Cafés are still a popular spot for remote work – great for switching up your scenery or squeezing in a few focused hours between meetings.
The vibe is casual, the caffeine is flowing, and there’s usually good background music. But they’re not perfect. Wi-Fi can be patchy, and it’s not the place for deep-focus work or confidential calls.
Still, for many creatives and freelancers, a few hours in a local café can be just what they need to spark ideas or power through admin.
The Remote Dream of Working from Anywhere
This one’s for the adventurers. Some people have taken remote work to the next level, turning garden sheds into studios, renting tiny cabins in the countryside, or fully converting vans into mobile offices.
One freelancer we spoke to, Zooms into client calls from a fold-out desk beside a loch in Scotland. “It’s surprisingly productive,” they said. “And the view’s better than any office I’ve had.”
The idea is simple: if your work is digital, why not do it somewhere inspiring?
Curious about setting up your own mobile office? Explore Find My Leisure Vehicle to see what’s possible.
Is Remote Work All Rainbows And Sunshine?
For all its perks, remote and hybrid work aren’t always smooth sailing. Many teams still struggle with communication gaps, accountability, and lack of visibility. Team bonds can weaken. And without in-person feedback, it’s easy to feel like you’re working in a bubble.
Therefore, performance management has to evolve as well. Successful remote teams rely more on clear deliverables and trust, rather than hours logged.
The challenge is making sure everyone feels supported. Most workers still struggle with fragmented social ties, especially when company culture isn’t nurtured remotely. That’s why community-focused spaces like coworking studios, social Slack channels, and regular meetups are essential. Flexibility is empowering, but community is sustaining.
The Bottom Line: Flexibility Is the Future
In this new age of work, there’s no one “right” way to do it. Whether you’re working from a sunlit home office, grabbing a hot desk at a coworking space, or editing slides from a scenic caravan, what matters is that it works for you.
The key is choice — and the ability to shape your work life around what fuels your productivity and wellbeing. As more companies embrace flexible models, the responsibility (and the opportunity) shifts to individuals to build work routines that are sustainable, connected, and fulfilling.
So, if you are craving community and structure, try a coworking space like Central Coworking. The future of work is not about where you are, it is about what works best for you. And now, more than ever, you have the freedom to choose.