Workers make tracks for Tassie

Expect an influx of people seeking to work from home, says Bronwyn Eager

AUSTRALIAN employees have long endured tiring commutes and high costs of living due to employers’ longheld belief that being at the office was a successful model of work.

But, for knowledge workers with a laptop and internet connection, the new normal has revealed that the need to live near your workplace makes about as much sense as playing footy in high heels.

Knowledge workers no longer need to tolerate long commutes or expensive real estate, that often come part and parcel of career success.

Working remotely and flexibly provides employees the opportunity to pause and consider how life should be lived. And where.

Many are recalibrating priorities as a result of the unprecedented shift in work practices in recent months.

As attitudes to location independence evolve, Tasmania, once seen as a destination for retirees, can expect to become increasingly attractive to a new class of untethered knowledge workers. What will this class of worker be considering?

Firstly, connectivity remains key. With some of the fastest internet in the country, Tasmania is a logical choice for remote work. The state is an increasingly attractive proposition for enterprising individuals requiring high bandwidth mixed with a side of serenity. Workers seeking sabbatical from hectic urban living may turn to internetconnected green restorative landscapes, such as those found throughout Tasmania.

Secondly, commute times. A long commute in Launceston can find you travelling for 15 minutes. This is an almost laughable, and highly desirable, proposition for commuters from places such as Melbourne and Sydney, accustomed to an hour or more on public transport each day. Inner city living in Tasmania is a walkable experience for most needs. Thirdly, affordability.

Outside Hobart’s real estate boom, it is still possible to purchase a well-appointed four-bedroom home for the price of a one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne. This becomes a major drawcard for workers with young families.

There is little doubt that Tasmania will see a population influx as remote knowledge workers consider their options.

Tasmania can also expect to see increased traffic from digital nomads. Digital nomads are typically entrepreneurs who travel the world, visiting multiple locations while earning a living from their laptop.

Historically, the mythology surrounding this group of workers has spruiked sun, sand and palm trees, with locations such as Thailand and Bali reaping economic benefit from knowledge worker related tourism.

But the desire for a tan while you work is not a universal preference. More mature-age workers often seek alternative experiences to complement their working holidays, such as hiking, fishing, and exploring local art scenes and cultural sites.

And with international travel restrictions predicted to hold while domestic borders become increasingly relaxed, we should expect to see shifts in digital nomad and remote knowledge worker destinations, with many likely to head to Tasmania.

Tasmania was once too isolated to suit interstate workers, but living here is now a very realistic proposition.

Having moved from Melbourne CBD to central Launceston just over a year ago, I am in zero hurry to trade in the Tasmanian lifestyle.

And I am hearing murmurs of envy and intention to do the same from friends and colleagues across Australia.

Tasmania is ripe for enterprising individuals seeking work-life balance who wish to flourish amongst stunning landscapes at 5G speeds. Remote work flexibility is a win for employers and employees and, if promoted correctly, could also be a win for Tasmania.