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Smart working: from Zoom Town to South working_header_img

Smart working: from Zoom Town to South working

Mon 07 Aug 2023

In recent years, the advent of smart working has brought several changes to our society, revolutionising the way people work and . These transformations, in a short time, have given rise to some interesting phenomena around the world; among these we want to deepen today the case of the American "Zoom Town" and the Italian South working. Let's see its peculiarities, advantages and potentially negative aspects.

Zoom Town - Positive aspects

In the American territory, observing the data collected by a Pew Research survey during the first year of the pandemic, about 5% of the population has transferred their home, moving from large cities to areas until then little considered. They have therefore come to create real Zoom Town (named after the online meeting program), rapidly growing communities that are transforming the traditional idea of cities, allowing people to live in idyllic places and enjoy a better quality of life, thanks to work flexibility and video conferencing technology.

Zoom Town growth has a significant impact on local communities. Local economies are being invigorated by the arrival of new residents who support local shops, restaurants and services. These new inhabitants can also contribute to economic diversification, bringing with them specialised skills and creating new job opportunities. The cases of Sandpoint in Idaho and Butte, in the state of Montana, are two significant examples of the phenomenon; as well as some communities in northern Arkansas responsible for the Life Works Here initiative - an offer of 10 thousand dollars and a free bicycle intended for those who move for a minimum period of one year.

Zoom Town - Negative aspects

The Zoom Town phenomenon necessarily brings with it some potential problems. The increase in demand for homes and services in the affected areas can in fact also lead to an increase in real estate prices and a possible gentrification, creating difficulties for low-income residents. In addition, the infrastructure may not be ready to accommodate a rapid increase in population, resulting in problems of traffic congestion, overload of internet networks and limited access to essential services.

Southworking - Positive aspects

In Italy, almost parallel to the US phenomenon of Zoom Towns, remote work has instead favoured the emergence of the so-called "South Working". This term refers to the practice of working flexibly from the south of the country; a solution that offers many advantages.

The local communities of southern Italy, first of all, benefit from the arrival of new residents and an injection of economic vitality.
The increase in population can lead to an increase in demand for local goods and services, supporting the local economy and creating employment opportunities. South Working can help counter the brain drain phenomenon, since professionals can continue to carry out their highly skilled work without having to migrate north or abroad.

Moreover, with the spread of this practice at the national level, the problem of unemployment in the South could also find an outlet, favouring, at the same time, greater environmental sustainability generated by a significant decrease in travel and consumption.

Southworking - Negative aspects

Despite the many advantages, South Working also presents some challenges to face. Digital infrastructure and quality internet connections are essential to support remote work; which is why a significant investment in the South is necessary to ensure reliable and fast connectivity even in rural areas. In addition, it is important to promote a culture of flexible work and remote collaboration between both companies and employees.

One aspect, the latter, that NotOnlyDesk is particularly concerned about. Because culture and ad hoc training are the main ingredients of a future that cannot be separated from work flexibility.