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The teleworking paradox: the geography of residential mobility of workers in pandemic times

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Listed:
  • Pui-Hang Wong

    (Maastricht University, UNU-MERIT)

  • Karima Kourtit

    (Open University of the Netherlands
    Alexandru Ioan Cuza University
    Rijeka University)

  • Peter Nijkamp

    (Open University of the Netherlands
    Alexandru Ioan Cuza University
    Rijeka University)

Abstract

Spatial disparities in quality of life drive population movement between regions. This study explores how concerns related to remote work and health influence intentions to migrate between urban and rural areas in Europe. Using data from a large-scale survey conducted during the pandemic, we identify an indirect effect of occupation on migration intentions through preferences for teleworking. However, we do not find evidence of a direct relationship between occupation and teleworking. We term this phenomenon the “teleworking paradox”. To explain the paradox, we propose and test two mechanisms: economic agglomeration and health amenities. These mechanisms predict how workers in different occupations interact differently with place-specific factors. While evidence for the health amenity explanation is somewhat stronger than for the agglomeration mechanism, it remains mixed. Our findings suggest that the pandemic is unlikely to significantly narrow urban–rural disparities in Europe.

Suggested Citation

  • Pui-Hang Wong & Karima Kourtit & Peter Nijkamp, 2025. "The teleworking paradox: the geography of residential mobility of workers in pandemic times," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 74(1), pages 1-27, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:anresc:v:74:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s00168-025-01368-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s00168-025-01368-4
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    JEL classification:

    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General

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