Does Location Matter? Reflections from working in rural Tuscany?

As I sit at my desk in Mocrone, a tiny village nestled in the hills of northern Tuscany, I watch the morning mist slowly lift from the Lunigiana valley below. The church bells ring in the distance, and my neighbour's rooster adds his own contribution to the morning symphony. It's a far cry from my usual workspace in bustling London, and it's got me thinking about how profoundly the concept of "workplace" has evolved.

The New Normal of Work

The pandemic forced a global experiment in remote work, and now, as we emerge on the other side, we're realising that for many of us, work is no longer a place we go, but something we do. This shift has opened up possibilities that seemed unthinkable just a few years ago. Case in point: here I am, managing projects and meeting deadlines from a beautiful stone house in a village of barely 100 people, rather than my usual spot at home in Totteridge north London.

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The Pros of Working from a Tuscan Village

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·????? Enhanced Creativity

There's something about the rhythms of village life that sparks new ideas. Trading the London Underground for ancient castles dotting the hillsides, the seasonal changes in the chestnut forests, and the challenge of navigating life in a small Italian community have all contributed to a fresh perspective on my work.

·????? Work-Life Harmony

The approach to life in Mocrone – where time moves more slowly, where everyone knows each other, and where the daily trip to the local alimentari (grocery store) is as much about socialising as shopping – is a stark contrast to the fast-paced London life. I'm finding that when I align my work schedule with the village's natural pace, I'm more productive and satisfied.

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·????? Global Perspective in a Local Setting

It's an interesting paradox that working from a tiny village has made me more globally minded. As I connect with colleagues across Europe the US and beyond from my little corner of Tuscany, I've become more adaptable and focused on supporting businesses create meaningful experiences for their people

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The Challenges

Of course, it's not all panoramic views and perfect pasta. Working from a rural location comes with its own set of challenges:??

·????? Internet Adventures

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?While the views are spectacular, the WiFi can be temperamental. I've become an expert at finding the spots in my house with the best connection. Sometimes I miss the reliable high-speed internet of my London flat.

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·????? Time Zone Navigation

?While I'm still largely working on British time, the one-hour difference and the Mediterranean approach to scheduling means careful planning. Sometimes I'm taking calls as the sun rises over the Apuan Alps, other times as it sets behind the Apennines.

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·????? Cultural Adjustments

The relaxed rural Italian approach to, well, everything, can be both refreshing and challenging for someone used to the precision timing of London life. "Domani" (tomorrow) is a favourite word here, and urgent deliveries might be delayed because it's hunting season.

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What Really Matters

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After only 1 week of working here but 2 more to go from Mocrone, I've come to realise that where you work matters less than how you work. The key elements of productivity and job satisfaction remain consistent:

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- A clear sense of purpose

- Effective communication with your team

- A routine that maximises your personal productivity

- The right tools and technology to support your work

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The Future of Work is Flexible

What's becoming increasingly clear is that the future of work is not about choosing between the office or home, city or countryside. It's about flexibility and finding what works best for each individual and organisation. Some days, I miss the energy of London and the ease of in-person collaboration. Other days, I'm grateful for the ability to work while living in a place where the biggest traffic jam is caused by a flock of sheep crossing the road.

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Village Life Meets Modern Work

Does it matter where you work from? Yes and no. Location can inspire, challenge, and change your perspective. But ultimately, successful work depends on your ability to maintain productivity, connection, and balance – whether you're in Canary Wharf or a stone house that's older than most countries.

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As for me, I've learned that there's something special about sending emails after a morning walk through olive groves, or brainstorming project ideas while watching the swallows swoop over the village square. Working from Mocrone hasn't just been about changing my location; it's been about changing my perspective on what's possible in our modern working world.

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Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to join my neighbours for the daily ritual of aperitivo at the only bar in the village. Some local customs are just too good to ignore, even for a Londoner.

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Have you worked from an unexpected location? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.