Remote work is no longer a passing trend; it is fundamentally altering how people in the Nordic Region live, move, and interact with space. With hybrid work now the norm for many, its effects on transportation, housing, urban cores, and rural areas demand strategic attention. As policymakers and planners navigate these shifts, embracing change while shaping sustainable outcomes has never been more critical.
Drawing from Nordregio’s collected research on the topic, this report explores the implications of remote work for planners and policymakers as they navigate the evolving landscape. It focuses on the tools and policies used in Nordic countries after the COVID-19 pandemic to support remote work.
COVID-19: A significant shift in work patterns
The numbers are clear: remote work levels in the Nordic Region surged during the pandemic, and have remained high ever since, exceeding those in the rest of the European Union. Norway, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase, and Denmark reports the lowest levels in the region after the pandemic. Despite this growth, most of the Nordic population still cannot, or chooses not to, work remotely – 58% never work from home in 2023 compared to 73% in 2017. However, hybrid work has become the new normal for a substantial segment of the population, bringing about notable spatial effects.
Changing mobility and settlement patterns
The rise of remote work has influenced migration patterns, with higher mobility observed during the pandemic, especially movements away from major cities. While most relocations have remained within metropolitan areas, rural regions and smaller towns have gained attention as viable alternatives. This “two-way exchange” benefits both sides: while future mobility patterns are unclear, it is possible for remote work to further enable economic growth in urban centres or for rural areas to attract skilled workers and boost local services. Studies reveal local variations: in Denmark, older adults working as managers are more likely to move, whereas in Sweden, younger adults are making the shift.
“For areas aiming to attract new residents, attractiveness and accessibility are still crucial. Time and ease of travel are key.”
– Anna Granath Hansson, senior researcher and author of the report
Transportation should be a policy priority
Transportation emerges as a key area for policy intervention. Following the pandemic, many Nordic cities suffer low ridership. Different responses across the Nordic countries highlight varied strategies: Helsinki has maintained public transport accessibility and decreased pricing, to increase its attractiveness. Stockholm has responded by reducing supply and increasing prices, following a 30% decrease in ridership. For remote or hybrid workers, reliable public transport remains essential, particularly in sparsely populated areas where alternatives are limited.
Contrary to popular belief, the research debunks the myth that remote work leads to less travel time. Hybrid workers may commute less frequently, but when they do, the journeys can be longer, shifting the focus from frequency to distance.
Housing and the 15-minute city ideal
The concept of polycentric cities and the 15-minute city ideal – where residents can access all necessary amenities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride – has gained traction. Remote work complements this ideal, potentially reducing the need for long commutes and fostering more sustainable compact living. However, if remote work is to catalyse these planning ideals, planners must ensure they are carried out in equitable ways.
“With an increase in hybrid work, commuting patterns are all the more dynamic and non-linear. Such freedom of movement can mean more sprawling lifestyles and sprawling development. Or planners can consider principles like the 15-minute city that enable people to live and work within a smaller, yet more vibrant, footprint.”
– Lisa Rohrer, researcher and main author of the report
Policymakers must address the competition between residential and commercial spaces, adapting housing strategies to align with work-live lifestyles. Meanwhile, smaller towns and rural areas must position themselves as attractive alternatives by offering affordable, adaptable housing solutions. This shift may influence housing development strategies.
The role of co-working spaces and third places
Co-working spaces and “third places” – like libraries and cafés – are supporting remote work. While these spaces are valued, their use varies: rural areas often see higher demand due to longer commutes, while in smaller towns, remote workers tend to work from home.
Iceland’s innovative policies offer lessons for planners, integrating co-working spaces with public sector “jobs without specified location” to enhance regional development. Similarly, regions can attract digital nomads by providing spaces with high-speed internet, networking opportunities, and vibrant community ecosystems. Whether work happens at home, at a library, or in a co-working space, remote work is never location independent; where one works is always bound up in space and time and the various enabling conditions of that space (e.g., digital connectivity) that make work possible.
Looking ahead: embracing change and shaping outcomes
Remote work is an evolving phenomenon, challenging to study due to limited data and rapid shifts.
“While some planners and policymakers adopt a wait-and-see approach, we see the importance of staying engaged, viewing this as an opportunity to actively shape outcomes and influence development in line with sustainability goals.”
– Anna Granath Hansson, senior researcher and author of the report
Furthermore, future research is essential to deepen our understanding of these trends. As society becomes more digitalised, the potential for remote work expands, possibly increasing the number of people who can and will work remotely. Here is a possibility for Nordic policymakers to steer emerging remote work trends to make sure they are moving in a sustainable direction. Why not host knowledge-sharing events? Establish a taskforce on the topic, or develop partnerships among local and regional stakeholders?
Remote work in the Nordic Region
The rise of remote work is undeniably affecting the socio-economic fabric of the Nordic Region. Its implications span transportation, housing, urban and rural planning, and regional development. Policymakers and planners are at a crossroads, with the chance to harness these changes for the betterment of society.
With the potential of remote work, policymakers might consider safeguarding public transport, investing in rural digital infrastructure, and supporting diverse housing options for work-live lifestyles, among other recommendations. By fostering regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the Nordic Region can lead in adapting to remote work while ensuring attractive and sustainable communities.
The six reports published within the Remote work and multiolocality project:
