I was very happy to chat with @ramraajh @sjmorningshow today. Interviews can't provide unlimited time to delve deep so here are a few further thoughts (a thread) on remote working & on the idea that if you can work from anywhere, why not work from NL? (1/18)

A recent @StatCan_eng estimates say approx 40% of Cdn jobs could plausibly be done from home; lower in NL (just > 30%), partly b/c of industrial make-up of empl. Some jobs simply can't be done from home (e.g. fishery, oil & gas) (see: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2020001/article/00026-eng.htm) (2/18)

The General Social Survey (GSS) for Canada in 2016 (see https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/labour-standards/reports/employment-equity-data-report-2016.html) estimated that around 42% of employees in NL had jobs in which they could not telework. Less than 10% of workers in the province did any telework at all. There is potential for growth in NL! (3/18)

Knowledge-based jobs & 'gig economy' are more amenable to teleworking and Canadian data also indicates that telework is more common for higher paid jobs & for people with higher ed levels. Basing these workers in NL would increase tax base & contribute to local economy. (4/18)

Productivity gains associated w/ remote-working have been noted by some as a 'silver lining' of COVID-19 & this can present opportunity for NL. The emphasis here is on attracting WORKERS rather than whole businesses (though they would always welcome, too!) (5/18)

So, why work from NL? What’s in it for workers? NL Ex-Pats may choose to be based here b/c personal ties. But for ex-pats & new-to-NL: unique location, lower crime, affordable housing, natural environment. Plus, low COVID-19 infection, ability to contain virus. (6/18)

What’s in it for employers? Certainly need a business case to allow remote work (esp if not the norm). Employees working remotely reduces costs of physical premises (esp. in major urban centres) but employers likely concerns re productivity, admin burden, etc. (7/18)

For employers, regarding teamwork, they may have concerns that remote working would lessen knowledge-sharing & communication but such challenges can be overcome. Employer norms wrt remote working matter for how it affects on morale & productivity. (8/18)

How can more people be enticed to work from NL? Most won’t come for the weather (e.g. frost warnings on 3rd July #nlwx ?!) but there are other things that help attract (and retain) people… (9/18)

Reliable, secure & fast internet: Workers & employers need to be able to work without disruption or significant delays. There is also a need for fast & effective response when things go wrong. (10/18)

Tax system: Competitive for workers, simplified admin for employers with workers in NL (since they may have workers based in multiple jurisdictions). Digitization of gov services to facilitate such interactions of workers & outside employers with government. (11/18)

Digital transformation: Businesses must be ready for productive remote-working, this includes implementing digitized processes across all functions (e.g. HR, finance). The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly highlighted this and exacerbated need (12/18)

Reliable transport: To meet demands of NL-based workers (for own consumption plus for sending/receipt of goods req in their work). Also, convenient modes to travel as necessary for business (and leisure) (13/18)

Attractive & efficient local services: reasonable choice and provision of (in no particular order!) entertainment, recreation, healthcare, schools, childcare, recycling, public transport, recycling, etc (14/18)

Community: Teleworkers based in NL are unlikely to comprise only returners to NL & many ex-pats bring partners, attract colleagues. Ppl living & paying taxes here, want to have say. Voting eligibility changes could promote this integration, encouraging ppl to come & stay (15/18)

Finally, some practical matters to avoid reduced productivity & other problems, e.g. isolation, security, health ... (16/18)

Public work spaces w/ secure & fast internet (e.g. cafes, shared temp office space) would let workers get out of the house & allow them to safely host of colleagues/clients, network, socialize (17/18)

Workers (and their employers) also need to ensure their health & safety when working at home (or in public areas). There is need for services to provide ergonomic assessments, advice, remedial services, etc. (18/18)