Rural areas allow people to live differently from urban areas: there is more peace and quiet, the air is purer, nature is more accessible, and there are other benefits to human health. Particularly in the period since Covid 19, property prices have risen dramatically across Europe: today, almost every major city has reached a peak in real estate prices, and for many residents the situation is moving towards economic unaffordability. Prices for corporations have also risen sharply. Many companies are moving to more rural areas where they can have larger offices at lower prices, offer more benefits to employees and at the same time have a city-alike and more natural working environment.
In most cases, the critical issues in making such decisions could be the lack of infrastructure: both in terms of internet access and transport links.
One solution to the first challenge is to provide broadband connectivity in rural areas, also by relying on Digital Hubs that can be used and shared by several companies (communities): Digital hubs are actually physical spaces with fast, reliable internet access. They also provide a range of business and community support services tailored to local needs. Community broadband initiatives contribute to the deployment of rural broadband infrastructure where commercial interests and/or public policies do not ensure adequate fast and superfast broadband in rural areas” (Thematic Group Factsheet “Smart and Competitive Rural Businesses, European Network for Rural Development”). Such digital hubs strengthen communities and local partnerships, especially if the hub acts as a community centre. They also contribute to the socio-economic regeneration of rural areas and lead to significant business opportunities: The creation of a ‘support ecosystem’, including various elements and practices such as peer learning, mentoring, training, advice, etc., can have a similar effect as an accelerator.
But how to retain employees if you are located in an area with poor services, infrastructure or transport links? Companies should ensure that their team members have access to attractive and well-paid jobs that offer the promise of a career, not just a paycheck. There also needs to be investment in the community to attract people who want to live there and allow them to be proud to call that place home. Such investment includes providing and supporting access to family-friendly social and recreational facilities, primary and higher education opportunities, and affordable housing for families to build a future in. The bigger the business, the more this kind of community investment will be needed. Community investments also means collaborating with mayors, city managers, school boards and other local partners in order to identify in which directions the community infrastructure should grow in order to guarantee a happier life.”Whatever the investment, the key is to be open-minded and make sure you address local needs” (Forbes, How companies can Invest in rural communities to help them thrive, Tim Schellpeper).
Contributor, J. U. (2022, December 1). JBS USA BrandVoice: How Companies Can Invest In Rural Communities To Help Them Thrive. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jbs-usa/2022/12/01/how-companies-can-invest-in-rural-communities-to-help-them-thrive/
European network for rural development. Thematic Group factsheet: Smart and Competitive Rural Businesses, European Network for Rural Development.
https://ec.europa.eu/enrd/sites/default/files/tg_rural-businesses_summary-factsheet.pdf