Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
For Americans today, career life doesn't necessarily require an everyday commute and an eight-to-five schedule.
In fact, according to Gallup, 28% of American employees are exclusively remote in 2025, with 51% working a hybrid remote/on-site schedule.
For these workers, the search for a better work-life balance is moving outdoors — literally.
In fact, the ultimate productivity hack isn't a new app or time-management trick, but a detached home office — a separate backyard studio designed for work without the distractions of home.
As remote and hybrid models become the norm, homeowners are (wisely) rethinking how to make remote work sustainable for the long haul.
Detached home offices might just be one of the most desirable home upgrades, offering privacy, focus and value in one smart design.
The new workplace frontier: The backyard
Once considered a luxury, backyard workspaces are fast becoming essential for professionals looking to separate their work life from their home life – while keeping all the benefits of a remote job.
These small but sophisticated structures — often ranging from 120 to 200 square feet — give remote workers a physical and mental boundary between "home" and "office."
Backyard Office Utah, a leading builder of turnkey home office studios, has seen surging demand in recent years.
The company handles every step — from design and permitting to foundation, electrical, HVAC and internet setup — turning empty yard space into fully functional, climate-controlled work environments.
Each build typically takes less than 30 days, offering a faster, more affordable alternative to traditional home additions.
Boundaries breed balance
Productivity experts agree: environment dictates focus.
Working from a kitchen table or guest room may save space, but it also blurs the line between personal and professional life.
Detached offices restore those boundaries. A separate workspace allows you to start your day intentionally, maintain concentration and step away completely at the end.
Remote workers currently have a difficult time unplugging from work. In fact, according to Owl Labs, even sick days aren't sacred anymore: 72% of workers say they're less likely to fully unplug and rest when ill.
Detached offices help build boundaries, offering the benefits of remote work — flexibility, autonomy and comfort — while still encouraging you to mentally unplug after hours.
Designed for deep work
Backyard Office Utah's structures are insulated, soundproofed and wired for year-round use, featuring ductless mini-split systems for heating and cooling, recessed lighting and optional built-in desks or shelving. "It's not a shed," the company emphasizes on its website, "it's a fully finished workspace."
That distinction matters. A quiet, customized environment can significantly increase focus and productivity.
A 2024 Owl Labs study found that 62% of remote professionals reported getting more done from home than at the office — and that number jumps higher when workers have a dedicated, private space.
Fast build, lasting value
Unlike full home additions, most detached studios fall under "accessory structures," meaning they typically don't require full-scale residential permits.
In Utah, small units under 200 square feet can often be approved quickly, reducing costs and construction time.
Backyard Office Utah offers financing options starting at about $375 per month, making it a practical investment for long-term flexibility.
Home appraisers are also taking note: detached offices and studios can boost resale value, particularly in suburban markets where remote work remains prevalent.
A growing movement beyond Utah
Utah isn't alone in this trend. In fact, Showing Time Plus listed "home office or flex space" among its top home-buyer wish-list features nation-wide for 2024.
In areas like Salt Lake City, Lehi and Park City — where tech companies and hybrid roles are plentiful — the demand is especially high.
Backyard Office Utah alone has built dozens of custom offices for professionals ranging from software engineers to therapists to small business owners.
Overcoming the hurdles
Of course, detached offices aren't without challenges. Homeowners must consider property size, access to utilities and local zoning codes.
Electrical trenching and internet connections can add to project costs.
But for most remote workers, the return — measured in peace, productivity and work-life balance — far outweighs the logistics.
In Utah's four-season climate, insulation and energy efficiency are crucial.
That's why Backyard Office Utah includes high-quality materials, weather-tight construction and climate control in every design. "You can work comfortably in July or January," the company promises.
The new standard for remote work
The shift to remote work has permanently reshaped how Americans think about their homes.
More than half of U.S. workers say they want hybrid options indefinitely, and employers are increasingly accommodating that demand. A well-designed detached office empowers remote employees to perform at their best while maintaining mental and physical separation — a benefit that can't be overstated.
For many professionals, the backyard studio is no longer just an upgrade; it's an essential tool for modern life — a personal sanctuary that restores focus, fosters creativity and supports balance.
For information on creating your own backyard office, visit Backyard Office Utah.
