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How to Optimize Your Airbnb for Remote Working

In need of ideas to make your Airbnb suitable for remote working? Learn how to prepare your rental for guests in need of a remote work environment.

By The Turno Team

Last updated: October 30, 2023

Optimize your Airbnb for remote working.

The recent changes in workplace culture have allowed workers to seek out vacation rentals or Airbnb units with remote workspace. Many jobs now support working from home, giving their employees more freedom of location. As a result, many guests may choose to travel to your Airbnb to work while they travel.

Below are a few ways you can create a remote workspace for your guests.

Creating a remote workspace

It is important to set up a workspace that will feel comfortable and prevent distraction. It is also a plus for guests to be in a separate area or room from the bedroom or kitchen table whenever possible.

First, it is important to pick a designated spot used for working. Having a quiet area with sunlight and good lighting will make it easier for guests to focus on their work. Then, you can consider furnishing the space with amenities that guests can utilize while working.

Even if you don’t have a dedicated room for remote working, here is a list of items you can consider for the space that you have:

7 items to optimize your Airbnb workspace

7 Items to Optimize Your Airbnb Workspace:

  • Alternate workspaces: Areas like the dining room or outside patio offer a variety of environments for working.
  • Ergonomic support: Comfort and efficiency are key in any workspace. Ensure guests have comfortable options around them like pillows, foot support, or backrests.
  • Good lighting: Natural lighting and Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulbs are ideal lighting situations for any workspace. Guests will appreciate going the extra mile for CFLs, which are easy on the eyes.
  • Fully equipped kitchen: According to occupancy, plan to stock your kitchen with enough essentials for each guest.
  • Coffee maker and tea kettle: Working guests appreciate a working coffee maker or tea kettle when they begin their tasks.
  • Office supplies: Having extra pens and paper around can be helpful for guests who need to write.
  • Tech support/WiFi: While not required, having High-Speed and encrypted WiFi is a plus for guests who need connection. Speakers, monitors, and extra chargers are also special amenities you can include.

A workspace does not necessarily take up a whole room. However, it is important to have a desk or table, and a chair specifically for working. Having a comfortable chair is an important investment to ensure that guests will not experience any discomfort after working for hours.

Maintaining your workspace

Working from home has become the new normal.

Having a clean and tidy workspace is similar to maintaining the rest of your vacation home.

First, it is important to keep your workspace clear of clutter or any unnecessary items that may distract you from working. Especially in smaller workspaces, it is important to have a clear desk to prevent feeling restricted from working properly.

Second, be sure to regularly clean and disinfect high-contact objects and light fixtures. This can prevent germs from spreading and dust from forming. Booking a professional cleaner is the best way to ensure a complete and thorough cleaning. You can use applications like Turno to schedule cleaners directly to your property hassle-free.

Remote workers will be spending a majority of their time in these workspaces, so it is important that your Airbnb is properly cleaned.

Marketing the Workspace in your Airbnb Listing

After you have your workspace clean and ready for guests, it’s time to put it on the market. Your dedicated workspace can help give your listing the extra push, resulting in more guests booking your place to stay.

If possible, hire a professional photographer to capture pictures of your unit. After all, photos of your property can make or break your listing. We understand this might not be attainable for all hosts. Therefore, Airbnb suggests having a variety of high-quality, landscape images of all the rooms and outdoor spaces accessible to guests. Now would be the time to snap a photo of that accessible remote workspace in your property.

Update your listing to include any new furnishing inclusions that welcome remote working. For filtered searches, Airbnb includes “Laptop-Friendly Workspace” on their list of amenities you can check off about your property. Guests that require a workspace will be more inclined to book your unit. If you really want your workspace to shine, consider adding it to the listing title for an extra boost.

Additionally, here are a few ways you can market your Airbnb to its maximum potential.

Other Options for Remote Workers

If you do not have a dedicated remote workspace in your Airbnb for guests, it is helpful to share nearby places to study or work. Local recommendations give visitors the opportunity to try new places while getting their work done. If your property cannot accommodate a remote workspace or WiFi, you might want to include a short list of nearby libraries and cafes. Doing so will give your listing the extra boost to bring in more guests.

Co-working Spaces

Remote workspaces have gained popularity within the last year.

Many remote workers have begun using coworking spaces, so they have a place to work outside of the home. Sharing information about nearby coworking spaces with your guests is a helpful resource for remote workers visiting your vacation property. Sites like coworker.com can help you locate a workspace near you free of charge.

Coworking spaces are shared workspaces that offer users a temporary office space to visit and use for a certain period of time. These spaces offer the same amenities and features that work in a traditional office would. However, visitors do not necessarily work for the same company.

As a result, these spaces are an effective way for guests to have an enjoyable stay for many reasons.

Coworking spaces give guests the opportunity to meet many diverse groups in a communal setting. If a guest is staying at your vacation home long-term, it can be an intimidating experience if they do not know anyone in the area. Joining a coworking space gives guests the chance to meet locals in the area and form new relationships.

For guests who have become location independent due to COVID-19, it is important to have Airbnb amenities and resources available to them for an enjoyable stay.

The Turno Team Avatar
The Turno Team , The Turno Team researches and publishes articles designed to provide short-term rental Hosts, Property Managers, and Airbnb Cleaners with insightful, useful resources. Articles written by the Turno Team cover a wide range of STR interests, from the latest industry data and best practices to real-world, practical advice on running efficient, revenue-generating vacation rental businesses in an ever-changing market. Here at Turno, we’re always looking for original ideas and hot new topics. Have something you’re curious to learn more about? Interested in authoring a guest blog? Drop us a line at [email protected].