The New Geography of Work
Remote working is no longer simply a legacy of the pandemic, but has become a structural component of the European labor market. This is confirmed by the publication of "A large-scale dataset for analyzing remote working in urban and rural areas across Europe" in Nature Scientific Data, which constructs one of the largest datasets ever collected on the topic, with over 20,000 European interviewees. The international team that conducted the research includes Greta Nasi and Lisa Fontanella of Bocconi University.
An Unprecedented Dataset on Remote Working in Europe
The study is based on a survey conducted between July and August 2024, which collected detailed information on the perceptions, preferences and working conditions of individuals distributed across urban and rural areas.
The dataset analyzed key variables such as flexibility, productivity, wellbeing and career impact, offering a highly detailed snapshot of the transformation underway in the world of work.
One of the distinctive elements of the study is the granularity of socioeconomic data, which allows for an in-depth study of regional and social differences.
Regional Divides: Telecommuting Stays Urban
One of the most significant findings concerns the persistent gap between urban and rural areas. "Remote work is more widespread in cities, where digital infrastructure and types of employment make its adoption easier," explains Greta Nasi.
However, the study also highlights the potential of remote work for territorial rebalancing: it allows employees to relocate to less expensive areas and offers rural residents access to typically urban employment opportunities.
In this sense, remote working emerges as a potential lever against the depopulation of peripheral areas.
Benefits and Challenges: Flexibility, But Not for Everyone
The dataset confirms some well-established benefits: greater flexibility, a better work-life balance and the ability for companies to have access to a broader talent pool.
"At the same time," Nasi adds, "the dataset highlights significant differences in individual experience. The impact of remote working varies based on factors such as access to technology, housing conditions and territorial context, demonstrating that not all the benefits of telecommuting are not equally distributed among workers."
A Tool for Public Policy
Rather than offering a single conclusion, the study's primary value is methodological: the dataset is designed as a reusable research infrastructure to be employed by other labor economists and social scientists.
It can be used to analyze trends in productivity and work-life balance, but also to orient urban policy, regional development and infrastructure planning.
For EU policymakers, the message is clear: remote working is not just an organizational issue, but a factor that impacts territorial cohesion, economic development and ecological sustainability.
