The UK already has a head start in the remote working landscape because workers average 1.8 remote working days per week here, compared to the global average of 1.3 days. Remote work is quickly becoming a defining feature of the local labour market, while daily routines in Newcastle and other cities aren’t reliant on endless commutes anymore.
Remote work was a necessity during the pandemic, but the change took long-term roots, redefining how people work and live. The remote lifestyle is changing individual habits and redefining what Newcastle’s city centre could become in the coming years.
Individual Benefits
Remote work enables people to reclaim many hours typically lost to commuting. Individuals have more time to rest, embrace the city centre’s cafés, enjoy hobbies, and spend time with family. Residents also have more time to take short breaks to enjoy a relaxing moment for entertainment by watching podcasts or exploring top slot games in the UK in their free time.
These sites work seamlessly on smartphones while offering a range of slots that allow for those quick breaks between meetings. Remote workers can take a few minutes to sharpen their focus by doing things they enjoy, whether gaming, watching shorts, or socialising. They have the freedom to shape their days and add quick refreshers.
Some do this by taking walks along the Quayside, while others have coffee with friends near Grey Street. All the while, they submit their work on time as they feel more relaxed and productive, having some control over their schedule. Flexibility also improves balance. Individuals have a better work-life balance that enables them to complete other tasks while delivering their best work. The option to change scenery also makes the routine feel less rigid.
Employer Benefits
Employers also see the fruits of their decisions when allowing workers to work remotely or in hybrid setups. Lower office costs for utilities and cleaning are one example. Other employers downsize permanent spaces to free up some resources for other exciting investments. Recent labour statistics show that 38% of companies improved productivity through allowing remote work, while 75% of employees feel more productive from home.
Another benefit is how employers retain remote workers by providing flexible schedules and working spaces. Staff are more willing to stay when employers allow some flexibility. Absenteeism also falls as staff don’t have to commute, making them feel less drained before they even start working. Employers who adapt save money and build resilient teams.
Newcastle City Centre Impact
Newcastle’s city centre thrives on the weekday rush as offices fill up, lunches are purchased on Grey Street, and workers spill into theatres and restaurants after hours. Remote work would change those dynamics, but it wouldn’t remove the energy.
The city centre would experience less congestion with fewer commuters, allowing businesses to adapt. Cultural venues and shops could see more people visit during quieter hours, whether it’s more foot traffic through Eldon Square during the mid-afternoon breaks or daytime matinees at the Theatre Royal. Cafés could attract individuals seeking work-friendly spaces throughout the day, instead of being a breakfast and lunch location alone.
Newcastle’s city centre would become busy at different times rather than having to rely on a morning and evening rush. This would add variety, making the space feel more enjoyable and welcoming, regardless of the time of day.
City Centre Redefined
The city centre itself will experience renewed opportunities as remote work expands. That large office block that once served 9-5 workers could be reimagined for something more appealing. Some could become flats, cultural spaces, or even co-working hubs that fit the modern generation.
Streets could adapt to serve individuals who enjoy leisure as much as they do work, adding more seating, greenery, and social spaces. Shops and other services would also change. Businesses could attract remote workers at all times of the day by offering a change of scenery with reliable and fast access to Wi-Fi.
The city centre could also expect to experience an economic boost. Spending on fast food has already declined 6% worldwide compared to last summer. The research suggests grocery prices remain high, so businesses that offer affordable eat-and-work experiences could see massive increases. This could then boost an economy that seems, at the moment, to be faltering. Ultimately, remote work can and would change how businesses operate, how the city centre structures itself, and how Newcastle in particular would increase its revenue.