Working Remotely in the COVID-19 era

How to do it and where to go to work well in smart working during Covid-19? Some tips for making the most of remote work

How and where to work in smart working during the pandemic? Some tips to make the most of remote work

Finding yourself working in smart working during the Covid-19 pandemic was a novelty for many, and not necessarily a positive one. The widespread adoption of smart working in Italy is certainly (if we can say so) a result of the pandemic, and the data—which describe it as a growing phenomenon—confirm this. But smart working is a practice that has existed for a long time and had already become established in Europe and beyond, especially among those who work digitally (the so-called digital nomads).

What do you need to work well in smart working?

Essentially, anyone working in smart working needs three things, none of which are that hard to obtain: a laptop, a good Internet connection, and excellent organizational skills. The first two can be (so to speak) bought; for the third, if you don’t have them naturally, you just need to find some guides, read, and practice. These three are the absolute essentials, but as with all things, reality is a bit more complex: you can be the most organized person in the world with the best laptop and Wi-Fi connection, but if you have a work environment that’s unwelcoming, cramped, noisy, full of distractions and constant interruptions, working in smart working—especially during the pandemic—will be nothing but a nightmare. In this case, if you have the chance, the best thing to do is to rent a coworking space where you can focus and take advantage of all the provided tools (headphones, computer, Wi-Fi, graphic tablets, monitors) to work efficiently and productively for as long as you need.

Where to work in smart working?

For many Italians, smart working has also become a reason to visit new places and have new experiences. More and more people are choosing foreign destinations to work remotely, restrictions permitting. One of the most popular is the Canary Islands, offering mild and warm weather and being close enough to Italy to reach without issues. Even before Covid-19, this Spanish archipelago was one of the favorite destinations for digital nomads and others, with a community of about 61,000 Italian residents. The Canary Islands are not just a beautiful tourist destination for fun and outdoor activities—they also boast a very sustainable cost of living and excellent Internet connection, thanks in part to the “Hotel Network” program that offers digital nomads excellent Wi-Fi service.

Destinations for smart working in Italy

But even in Italy there are plenty of islands to visit and work in smart working during the Covid-19 era, enjoying the good weather, great food, and beautiful sea: there’s truly no shortage of choices. In Sicily, there are many coworking spaces, but it’s in Palermo that the first coliving was born, and we’re very proud of that. Our coliving in BeetCommunity is the first space in Sicily that offers professionals and travelers the opportunity to stay in Palermo, balancing work needs with leisure time. Our coliving features charming rooms with frescoed ceilings and private bathrooms, a shared kitchen, and free access to the coworking space to work and share ideas, experiences, and tips with other guests. Choosing to work in smart working in Sicily for an Italian is certainly easier and less risky than choosing to go abroad during the pandemic—and it’s exactly what many have already decided to do, following the South Working movement.