ESCAPE TO FOCUS
How Coliving and Coworking Experiences Influence Digital Nomads' Productivity
Created By Mihaila Andreea
Sende is a charming rural coworking and coliving space nestled in a tiny village of just 20 inhabitants in northern Spain Set in mountain houses with cozy coworking spaces and lush gardens, Sende offers an inspiring and peaceful environment for digital nomads to focus on their projects.
Sende has welcomed over 4,000 people from 60+ countries, making it one of the oldest and most unique coliving spaces in the world.
ABOUT ABOUT
Sende organized a unique coworking and coliving experience in the scenic village of Lobios, located on the border between Spain and Portugal, known for its hot springs.
This 10-day retreat brought together 15 digital nomads and creatives from around the world to test the impact of working from nature in a 4-star hot springs hotel
Participants were invited to focus on their personal and professional projects, while balancing relaxation in thermal pools, hiking through mountain trails, and exploring the local culture.
This analysis aims to explore the key factors that significantly impact digital nomads' productivity and work-life balance within a coliving and coworking environment. The findings will provide valuable insights for organizations and hosts seeking to replicate this type of experience, while also offering hotel managers strategic guidance on reorienting their services to attract digital nomads.
ABOUT THIS ANALYSIS THE PROCESS
This report is based on the responses of digital nomads participating in the Termal Coliving experience, organized by Sende, in October 2024.
Participants completed, at the end of the experience, an anonymous questionnaire, featuring a blend of open-ended questions, scale-based responses (1-10), and multiple-choice options.
While it does not provide a complete picture of all digital nomads, it highlights significant trends and perspectives that can serve as a foundational reference for discussions on productivity and work-life balance in similar settings.
GET TO KNOW THE PEOPLE
Digital nomad is someone who leverages technology to work remotely while traveling or living in different locations.
This lifestyle allows individuals to maintain their careers while exploring new environments, making it an attractive option for those seeking adventure and flexibility.
In this report, the respondents come from diverse fields (examples on the right) showcasing the versatility of the digital nomad lifestyle.
20% PRODUCTIVITY INCREASE
This increase demonstrates that during the experience, focus and motivation were effectively enhanced, resulting in greater productivity.
30%
PARTICIPANTS REPORTED COMPLETING MORE WORK WITHOUT WORKING EXTRA HOURS
The uplifting coworking space improved efficiency and productivity, allowing freelancers to achieve more without needing to increase their working hours.
86%
PARTICIPANTS WHO SET A SPECIFIC PROFESSIONAL GOAL DURING THE EXPERIENCE, EITHER FULLY OR PARTIALLY ACHIEVED IT
The supportive environment promoted accountability and collaboration, enabling goaloriented individuals to achieve their professional goals more quickly.
30%
PARTICIPANTS NOTICED AN IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR WORK QUALITY
The blend of social interaction, exposure to nature, and a focused work environment successfully enhanced both task completion and overall work quality.
PRODUCTIVITY IN THEIR WORDS
Here are some testimonials from participants, that support the findings presented before.
Basically everything here improved my productivity.
The experience was very useful, especially on deadline moments.
I was more social than usual, but this helped me be more efficient with my work time.
I felt empowered and inspired, and it definitely showed in my work.
The social aspects are great, and there are times when you might want to finish work early to join activities with others. I still found myself very productive, so it worked out fine.
KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING PARTICIPANTS' PRODUCTIVITY
Spa and wellness services received a lower rating, indicating participants preferred the energizing environment of nature and community interactions over wellness practices.
Nourishing meals encouraged social interaction and networking, while the coworking area provided a comfortable and stimulating atmosphere for focused work.
The scenic landscapes of Lobios inspired creativity and enhanced well-being, showing that proximity to nature significantly boosts productivity in remote work settings.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Digital nomads highly valued a variety of aspects which contributed to their work-life balance and overall enjoyment of the experience. Here are some of these:
I'd still prefer to be in a place like this with like-minded people with a decrease in productivity than not to.
- participant
78% MEAN IMPROVEMENT IN WORK-LIFE BALANCE AMONG PARTICIPANTS
CONCLUSIONS
The Termal coworking and coliving experience greatly improved participants' productivity and work-life balance, showcasing its transformative potential for digital nomads. This insights lead us to some valuable conclusions and lessons.
Significant Improvement in Productivity
This coworking and coliving experience led to notable increases in productivity, with most participants reporting enhanced focus and successful achievement of their professional goals.
Enhanced Work-Life Balance
Participants experienced a substantial improvement in worklife balance, citing that nature, community interaction, and wellness activities effectively helped them disconnect and recharge.
Value of Nature and Environment
Proximity to nature was identified as a key factor in boosting productivity and well-being, emphasizing the positive impact of natural settings on digital nomads' concentration and performance.
Importance of Community and Networking
Interactions with fellow freelancers significantly boosted morale and productivity, highlighting the importance of community support. Activities like hiking, group dinners, and spa visits enhanced overall satisfaction and work-life balance.
KEY TAKEAW FOR FUTURE
Keeping in mind the insights gathered from this report, it is essential to outline key directions for the future Whether you are an organization, a host, or a hotel manager aiming to understand the trends among digital nomads, there are several crucial aspects to consider.
By focusing on these strategies, you can enhance participant experiences and better meet the evolving needs of digital nomads
1. Integrate Nature
Design spaces that maximize natural light and outdoor access, encouraging activities like hiking and outdoor meetings.
3. Offer Wellness Benefits
Include wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, or spa treatments to help participants relax and recharge.
5. Customize Experiences
Gather feedback from participants to tailor experiences that meet their specific needs and preferences.
2. Facilitate Networking
Create structured networking events and informal social gatherings to foster connections among participants.
4. Provide Flexible Workspaces
Offer a variety of work environments, including quiet zones, collaborative spaces, and comfortable lounges, to cater to different work styles.
6. Highlight Local Culture
Incorporate local experiences and activities that allow participants to engage with the surrounding community, enriching their stay.
THE AUTHOR
Andreea Mihăilă is a Gen-Z storyteller from Romania with a background in digital communications and research. Recently graduated, she is driven by a passion for technology's ability to connect people and narratives.
Currently, she is diving into the world of data and eager to contribute to projects that shine a light on underrepresented stories.
