Corona Nomads Explain Why Working from Athens is Better

Photo source: @This is Athens

Professionals who have chosen in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic to balance work and life praise Athens and explain why working from the Greek capital has its advantages.

Forced by Covid-19 to change work habits and workplaces, digital nomads who have made Athens their home tell their stories on www.thisisathens.org noting that among others the Greek capital has supported their career ambitions, offered new paths toward personal well-being, given them the chance to live and work in a bustling city, and provided the opportunity for year-round beach and mountain adventures.

The 12-week campaign titled “Even Lockdown is Better in Athens”, which was launched this week by the city’s official visitors’ guide “This is Athens” and connects digital nomads to the Greek capital, examines the lives of remote workers who have chosen Athens to live and work prioritizing in the meantime, well-being alongside work productivity. 

The project features four well-traveled “corona nomads” who share their experiences of working from Athens during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thanks to mild weather all year round, Athens’ relaxed atmosphere and of course, Greece’s reputation for effectively managing Covid-19 infection rates, more and more professionals are choosing to set up a virtual office in Greece.

Keita Yamada, 33, Japanese: Customer Support at global remote work facilitator Doist. Photo: This is Athens / Thomas Gravanis

“Because so many people speak English, compared to other European cities, getting around Athens and getting to know the city is easy. I have found the locals friendly and happy to help, once you ask questions,” said Keita Yamada, a contractor with the global work facilitator Doist.

Burak Cakmak, 46, Turkish: Global Fashion Executive for Kering (Gucci Group), Swarovski, Gap Inc. Photo: This is Athens / Thomas Gravanis

“I can still go out for a scenic hike or bike ride around the hills of Varkiza and Vouliagmeni; and most days around noon, when it’s warm enough, I can still jump into the sea,” said Burak Cakmak, an entrepreneur and former dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York City.

The City of Athens is aiming to create a digital nomad community by reinforcing innovation hubs and co-working spaces. In this direction, it is improving access to municipal services by putting them online. At the same time, the “This is Athens” site provides information in English, French, and German and in partnership with non-profit XPat Athens is building a channel of communication with long-term visitors and expats.

“We’re thrilled that so many people want to make Athens part of their life story,” said Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.

“Athens has long been a destination for people who want to share ideas and learn from each other. This is one of the reasons that we focus on hospitality as the core of our cultural heritage. Cultural exchange is a guarantee of our freedom, and we are thinking a lot about this as we celebrate 200 years of Greek independence,” he added

Photo source: This is Athens

Bakoyannis recently announced plans for events this year and in 2022 aimed at attracting innovators and digital nomads to the city focusing on the 1st This is Athens Innovation Summit to be organized jointly with education facilities, research centers, chambers and private enterprises from Greece and abroad.