From screen to green: digital work, well-being and rurality

Digitalization, labour flexibility, and the expansion of remote work have transformed how we work and live. These changes, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to a rethinking of the relationship between work, leisure, and rest. In this context, rural areas have regained prominence as spaces of well-being, sustainability, and quality of life. Through a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with five digital workers from rural municipalities, this research explores how they experience remote work from these environments, the benefits and challenges they face, and how their presence can help revitalize these territories. The findings show a positive view of remote work in rural settings, where individuals seek peace and calm, enabling them to be more productive during working hours and enjoy higher-quality leisure and rest.