WHERE DO YOU WORK BEST?
A recent WIRED poll found that combining business and leisure increases productivity among WIRED’s community.
When WIRED asked its community about where they work these days, I wasn’t surprised to see that a lot more people are working remotely and on the road. In my circle, hotels have become second offices for nearly everyone I know—including myself. About 50 percent of WIRED’s readers are among those who work from hotels a couple times a month. But, like a vacation home, it turns out these “offices-away-from-the office” have some special benefits.
Nearly half of respondents say they are actually more productive when they work remotely. Working in a relaxed environment allows them to focus without stress and distraction. In fact, 42 percent said they would like to see hotel spaces that combined business and leisure more fluidly.
Looking at the numbers and what WIRED’s readers wanted, I couldn’t help but think about Workspring® at Marriott, a new small meetings concept. Mobility has become increasingly important for an untethered workforce, so of course, Wi-Fi and charging stations were among the top priorities, but opportunities for collaborating with work colleagues — whether they are in person or through video conference — and food and beverage options were also prime concerns. WIRED’s readers also wanted spaces that had comfortable furniture, functional desks, and are quiet.
And, of course, potentially having access to a hotel pool, gym, and great restaurants also beats the office vending machine.
