Being a freelancer or remote worker comes with a long list of perks. From flexibility, no stressful commute and a better work/life balance it is no wonder that so many people across the UK are choosing this way of working.
However, there is a downside to the remote working way of life, with a large number of freelancers admitting that loneliness can be an unexpected side effect of the flexible working lifestyle.
New Epson EcoTank conducted research where they surveyed 1000 UK freelancers and found that 91% of them worked from home, that 53% of them had chosen to freelance or work remotely due to gaining a better work-life balance and 62% said it was due to greater flexibility.
In 2018, Buffer found that 21% of people reported experiencing loneliness as a remote worker, despite these benefits. 39% have reported experiencing loneliness, but that number rises to 54% of the 24-34-year-old age group, according to Sage.
Loneliness can be exacerbated in the workplace with emails, skype calls and messaging services replacing conversations on the telephone or meetings in person. With remote workers relying on these sources of communications day to day, isolation and loneliness can creep in when spending long periods of time working alone or from home.
Whilst it is healthy to establish a routine as a freelancer, regularly taking breaks, getting outside and picking up the phone to speak to another human being, there is a solution that can solve the loneliness of freelance work and increase productivity, inspiration and motivation.
The Solution to Freelance and Remote Worker Loneliness
By renting flexible working spaces like the ones that The Workstation offer, startups, freelancers and remote workers can gain a workspace in a convenient and central location alongside other businesses.
The option of co-working is also available, and with communal spaces for a coffee break, you can maintain your flexible working with less isolation and loneliness. Creating a comfortable space to work that motivates, inspires and encourages.
It has been estimated that there are 35,000 coworking spaces in the world, with the number increasing every year as the demand grows. The majority of these spaces, including the locations that The Workstation offers, have spacious rooms, are fully equipped with everything you could possibly need and are ready for you to get to work right away.
Flexible working spaces are also flexible in terms and contract so that you don’t have to commit to a long time lease, leaving you tied in when the uncertain business climate peaks and troughs.
Many that have begun working in a flexible environment have said that it has increased the growth of their business, being around other startups and innovative businesses thriving in the same building.
Having an office space also allows you to set boundaries between your professional and personal life, maintaining the work-life balance that comes with flexible working.
We have a range of offices available in a variety of locations including St Albans, St Neots, Abingdon, Beaconsfield, Radlett, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden, Wokingham and Southampton. You can view all of our office locations here.