#Japan #Tokyo #Instabase #Workspace #Rebase

The Search for Comfortable Workspaces in the Heat

As the summer heat intensifies, the quest for cool, comfortable places to work is becoming paramount for many. A recent survey conducted by Rebase, through their platform instabase, has highlighted this trend among various users looking for relief from the sweltering temperatures. With respondents numbering over 400, this study combined survey data with reservation records to uncover how the oppressive heat is reshaping work habits.

The Impact of Rising Temperatures

The Japan Meteorological Agency has introduced a new category for extreme heat, defining days when temperatures reach 40°C or higher as “extreme heat days.” With rising living costs, particularly concerning air conditioning at home, and the burden of commuting to work, many in Japan are turning to alternative “third places” that offer a respite from the heat. In fact, 25% of those surveyed indicated they wanted to discover new, comfortable spots this summer, marking a significant shift in how people approach their work environments.

The data also reveal a direct correlation between temperature and the rise in rental space bookings: last summer, on days with temperatures exceeding 35°C, the demand for rental spaces rose by about 14.5%, reflecting a growing desire to work outside of traditional home or office settings.

A Shift in Workspace Preferences

With the ongoing heatwaves, the approach to selecting workspaces has diversified. When asked about new strategies for tackling the heat, respondents pointed to finding a cool, new regular spot as the top choice at 24%. Following that, organizing a part of their home for comfort or utilizing co-working spaces came next, indicating a shift towards multiple venue preferences for varying needs.

During hot days, spaces that were most booked included drop-in co-working sites and private rooms, illustrating a clear preference for environments that foster concentration and comfort, rather than recreational spots. The data underscores a transformation in how individuals prioritize workspace selection amid rising temperatures.

The Hybrid Worker and Workspace Diversity

Curiously, the survey also distinguished the trends among different working styles. Hybrid workers, who split their time between home and in-office work, favored cafes and either co-working or rental spaces significantly more than their fully remote counterparts, who largely remained at home. This behavior hints at the necessity of adaptability: hybrid workers have the freedom to choose based on daily commitments and comfort, whereas remote workers feel less inclined to seek external venues. Ultimately, this flexibility in workspace selection epitomizes how work culture is evolving in response to environmental factors like heat.

Professional Differences in Workspace Selection

Interestingly, how individuals choose their work locations also varies by profession. Sales professionals may prefer to cool off in their vehicles, while desk workers are more inclined to pay for access to a cool cafe. Business owners and freelancers look for quiet rooms to concentrate, demonstrating the varied workplace needs among different job types. Even among students and parents, distinct preferences for their environments reflect their individual lifestyles and responsibilities, suggesting that diverse working styles are prompting a broader array of workspace options.

The Importance of Having a 'Regular Spot'

As virtually everyone surveyed identified comfort, particularly cooling, as a foremost concern, there emerged a notable trend toward establishing 'go-to' spots. Significantly, 57% valued the comfort of being able to stay longer without hassle over merely finding a cheaper option, showcasing a shift towards prioritizing a pleasant and inviting work environment.

As summer heat challenges the status quo of workspace dynamics, the notion of having a reliable cool retreat is swiftly becoming integral to how people approach their work-life balance. Moving beyond a binary choice of home or office, a favorite ‘cool spot’ may soon represent the future of flexible work environments.

Conclusion

As illustrated in the survey, many are now seeking not just any place to work, but ones that provide both comfort and functionality. The trend is clear: the need for 'third places' is increasing as people navigate the realities of both high temperatures and evolving work practices. With summer around the corner and heat awareness on the rise, opting for comfortable locations is a logical response to an ever-changing work landscape.

Survey Details

• - Name: Survey on Summer Rental Space Usage (instabase)
• - Method: Online survey
• - Period: June 26 - July 3, 2026
• - Participants: instabase users
• - Responses: A total of 433 valid responses
• - Data Analysis Period: Rental space bookings from July 1 - September 30, 2025