How Remote Work is Changing the Way We Use Airbnb
Airbnb blends the thrill of exploration with the comforts of home, promising an accessible yet exciting experience that feels more personable than traditional hotels.
In recent years, another priority has entered the equation: productivity. Driven by the remote work boom, this trend reflects an emerging approach to travel: something vacationers enjoy not strictly as an alternative to the conventional workday but rather in tandem with workplace obligations.
From the traveling professional’s perspective, the appeal is clear: Airbnb remote work provides the ultimate flexibility, making it possible to spend more time exploring without sacrificing professional aspirations. This could also prove a boon from the host’s perspective, offering a streamlined approach to booking guests and meeting their evolving needs.

Remote Work Boom
Many professionals have enjoyed the advantages of remote work for years, but there is no denying this trend accelerated in response to the pandemic. Lockdowns revealed remote work was feasible — and for many, preferable to the conventional office setup.
As initial lockdowns waned, professionals expanded their definition of remote work. Instead of remaining confined to home offices, they brought their work to exciting new locations, capturing the joy of travel while remaining productive.
Today, these traveling professionals play a considerable role in the short-term rental market. Known as the bleisure class (part business travel, part leisure) or, increasingly, as laptop luggers, they are a core part of what ZipRecruiter economist Julia Pollak calls the “great remote work experiment.”
Where Do Remote Workers Stay?
Remote workers gravitate towards peaceful, convenient destinations where they can easily take a break from their work obligations and immerse themselves in natural beauty.
Mountains and coastal locations, for example, promise a sense of escape and a gorgeous backdrop. Many remote workers prefer domestic trips due to time zones and other scheduling constraints. Still, the Global Remote Work Index reveals international bleisure travelers favor Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Accommodation style also matters. Traditional hotels can quickly feel limiting or even uncomfortable. Eventually, even the most adventurous travelers begin to miss home-cooked meals and spacious surroundings. Airbnb can bridge the gap, providing practical accommodations that appeal to working travelers.
Rise of Digital Nomads and Extended Stays
Some professionals look to remote arrangements as a workaround for limited PTO, but many take this setup a step further, fully embracing a travel-centric lifestyle. Known as the digital nomad, this type of adventurer may forsake a home base to adopt a location-independent lifestyle.
According to the MBO Partners 2024 State of Independence report, over 18 million Americans now describe themselves as digital nomads. This reflects an impressive 10% of the U.S. workforce. While this designation is becoming less common among traditionally employed professionals, a greater share of independent workers now describe themselves as digital nomads.
Meanwhile, MBO Partners reveals how the “thrill of nomading” has forced traditional employees to think creatively, leveraging hybrid arrangements to enjoy long weekends exploring new destinations within a few hours of their “tethered” offices. This makes an even more significant share of modern travelers, with results from a YouGov poll revealing that over half of those with the ability to work remotely intend to take “workcations.”
Airbnb hosts can accommodate both types of guests. Full-blown digital nomads may gravitate towards extended-stay properties, where they can establish a home base for a month (or longer) and enjoy life as a local, discovering the hidden gems that short-term guests might miss. Other guests may look to Airbnb for extended weekend getaways while still maintaining homes of their own.

What Remote Workers Want in an Airbnb
Every Airbnb guest has unique preferences, but remote workers tend to share a few basic requirements. The best Airbnbs for remote work offer, at minimum, reliable Wi-Fi and a dedicated office equipped with a sturdy desk and an ergonomic chair.
Airbnb digital nomads may also seek the conveniences of home, such as full kitchens and laundry facilities. Don’t underestimate the power of caffeine — hitting the laptop seems a lot more appealing when accompanied by a Keurig machine or a Nespresso.
Other preferred amenities reflect those referenced in Airbnb’s list of most-desired features, such as free parking and air conditioning. Some short-term guests may be willing to do without these creature comforts for a few days, but digital nomads view these as essential.
Location also matters. Remote workers may crave peace and quiet, which is more easily accomplished when staying in residential neighborhoods. Other factors may include regional cost of living (essential for longer stays) and download speeds, which can vary significantly between regions.
Challenges and Opportunities for Hosts
Remote workers — especially digital nomads — bring a valuable opportunity for Airbnb hosts: the chance to reduce vacancies while limiting the hassle of constant guest turnovers.
Simply put, longer-term, remote-working guests are often easier to accommodate. Instead of preparing spaces every two or three days, they can keep a single group of guests happy for a month or longer before needing to navigate the check-in or check-out process. The result? Less time and effort spent on maintenance and communication.
Despite these advantages, there are a few challenges worth noting. These tend to involve higher expectations among remote-working guests, who aren’t as willing to forgive technical hiccups when their jobs are on the line. Hosts may need to go to greater lengths to ensure strong internet connections and robust technological amenities — otherwise, they risk negative reviews from discerning guests.
Other challenges may involve higher utility bills, especially if guests spend much of their time working onsite. Meanwhile, while consistent income can be expected during long bookings, significant gaps between bookings are also possible.

Strategies for Airbnb Hosts to Attract Remote Workers
Interested in making the most of the Airbnb remote work boom? First, design a space that looks and feels conducive to work and play. Remote professionals want to feel comfortable and focused as they tackle their work, which is best achieved with a dedicated office. Aim for a minimalist, clutter-free space with productivity-enhancing features and amenities.
Next, take high-quality photos of designated workspaces and highlight features that remote workers will find appealing: computer monitors, laptop stands, and task lighting, for example, appeal to work-minded guests.
Write a compelling description for the main listing and highlight amenities referenced by Airbnb. Most important? A “dedicated workplace,” which Airbnb describes as a “room with Wi-Fi that’s well-suited for working.”
Pricing strategies can influence remote workers’ travel plans, so consider establishing discounted rates during the week or for longer stays. You can also set minimum and maximum lengths of stay, keeping in mind that digital nomads are likelier to stay in a single location for a week or more.
Looking Ahead: How Remote Work Will Shape the Future of Rental Markets
With more employers implementing return-to-work mandates, the future of remote work remains uncertain. It’s clear, however, that a significant subset of professionals will continue to demand flexible accommodations.
Insights from Gallup suggest that over half of remote-capable employees prefer and even expect hybrid arrangements. Meanwhile, the Remote 2024 Global Workforce Report reveals that over two-thirds of U.S. employers have lost talent to competitors with more flexible work arrangements.
What does this mean for Airbnb hosts? Catering to remote workers remains a safe bet — this can elevate the overall appeal of a well-designed rental space and may also convince guests to extend their stays.
A bright future is in store for remote workers — and the Airbnb hosts seeking to accommodate them. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to create pleasant, productive spaces that help digital nomads embrace their love of adventure.