Remote and hybrid work trends influence social cohesion and housing choices

A long-term study published in Organization Science suggests that remote work can increase social cohesion and psychological safety among colleagues. Research conducted by Vanessa M. Conzon of Boston College followed a professional services firm for seven years, observing that working from home allowed employees to share more personal aspects of their lives through video calls. This increased transparency led to higher levels of trust, making employees more willing to ask for help and support one another.

Simultaneously, the rise of hybrid work is reshaping urban living and housing preferences. In Brazil, data from Serasa Experian indicates that 78.1% of workers have taken steps to reduce commute times, with many seeking neighborhoods that offer the “15-minute city” model. This shift emphasizes proximity to services, commerce, and leisure. Consequently, real estate developers are increasingly focusing on amenities that support flexible routines, such as coworking spaces and shared meeting rooms, to meet the demands of a workforce prioritizing work-life balance.