Sitting at the computer for hours on end is different when you can see the endless blue of the sea behind the monitor, said 28-year-old Norman Bertram who swapped his Hannover office for one in Marušići near Omiš.
This is wonderful, I've been here for four weeks. Since Germany is in a complete lockdown, it is very relaxing to just sit here and watch the sea every day, regardless of the job. What I like most is freedom of movement and having everything close by. Yesterday, I went down to the beach, sunbathed a bit and had a swim, Norman says.
The woman responsible for making such an experience possible is Alexandra Horvat. After she had decided to move from Germany to Croatia, she put together what Croats have in front of their noses but don't appreciate enough.
In these times of coronavirus, the concept of a non-classic office is what many need. I have seen for myself how staying here has had a positive effect on me and my family, so I thought: why not turn it into a project everyone would benefit from? I firmly believe this is something that will take off also after COVID, because the future is in mobile business, when work and leisure will be closely linked, Alexandra said.
It didn't take long from the idea to its realisation. She bought a house in Mimice, contacted local renters, who recognised the benefits of the project. In order not to leave the apartments empty out of season, they offer them at a lower price, and Alexandra and her team are in charge of office equipment, which they install on site, and of the entire logistic support, including food, excursions, wellness, doctors and anything else guests might need.
The most important thing is that young people get the opportunity to work, learn and progress, Alexandra Horvat says, noting that after moving she first noticed a lot of young people without prospects who only think about leaving Croatia. She wanted to show that conditions for a decent life can be created everywhere with a little will and effort, especially when it comes to the IT industry.
She thinks that for a small local community such as the one in Omiš, where she decided to establish her base, employing five young people is a big deal.
That the concept is successful is confirmed by inquiries and bookings from companies and independent clients not only from Germany but also from the USA, Ireland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Norway and Russia. How everything will develop depends on each country and the restrictions currently in place there.