Airbnb CEO Predicts A Great Convergence Of Work, Life, And Vacation

As a portion of knowledge workers continues to work remotely, Airbnb has seen an uptick in long-term bookings that indicates an increase in work-life flexibility.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13.4% of people are still working remotely.

Although most other industries such as retail and medicine required employees to come into the workplace throughout the pandemic, the smaller subsect of white collar workers are expected to alter how companies approach flexibility and remote working.

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For Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, this is likely leading to a Great Convergence that sees the melding of home, work, and vacations.

According to Chesky, 20% of Airbnb’s nights booked are for 28 days or longer and half are for one week or longer, which is a significant spike in long-term stays from pre-pandemic levels.

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Additionally, Chesky added that people are seeking more pet-friendly places that have good WiFi.

Maybe most significantly, Airbnb’s new “I’m flexible” feature has been used 500 million times.

“Things tend to converge. The iPhone converged my calculator and the internet and the phone. And the home is becoming similarly multiuse,” said Chesky. “Travel, work, and living used to be compartmentalized. We traveled in one space; we worked in a different space; we lived in another space. It’s all coming together.”