But what exactly are soft skills?

Soft skills refer to the personality traits or skills needed to succeed in the workplace. They are a kind of added value that each individual has and that can imbue some dynamism and greater confidence in the labor sector. These skills do not necessarily imply technical knowledge, but only the behavioral capabilities of each one. For example, having a good interpersonal relationship and knowing how to manage time are examples of soft skills. These skills, although they seem natural and inherent to each one, can be learned or perfected over time.

Why are soft skills so important in the job market?

Employees with essential interpersonal skills often stand out from the crowd and can add dynamism to the day-to-day management of the company or can be more competent at performing tasks. Possessing strong communication skills, for example, MAY indicate that the worker is better able to build healthy relationships with customers or fellow employees. ot to mention, individuals with leadership skills are better able to find solutions to the challenges the company presents. Thus, training these skills or competencies makes workers more skilled and effective in achieving better results.

Most appreciated soft skills in the job market?

When it comes to looking for a job or filling a position with a company, none of the soft skills should be taken for granted. However, the actual circumstances inherent in a specific job post may require some skills more than others. Even so, there are soft skills that any employee should seek to develop, especially in this rapidly and constantly changing market.

Flexibility and Adaptability

With a world in constant change, flexibility and adaptability to the environment have become the most demanded interpersonal skills in the job market. Even in a company or project, things don’t always go as planned, so it’s extremely important that employees know how to react at the right time and how to adapt to new ideas and solutions. The most successful employees are those who know how to act in unforeseen situations and in the face of challenges, in addition to having a broader and more open vision when it comes to approaches and thinking.

Responsibility

Accountability is a very important and in-demand interpersonal skill, especially when it comes to a teamwork situation, as accountability is the key to allowing team members to trust each other. Qualities such as discipline, reliability, motivation and diligence or concentration in the execution of tasks demonstrate an individual’s responsibility. Taking responsibility means that the employee is willing to give his all for the company’s general objectives and also to take initiatives to improve himself, accept possible mistakes and strive for common success.

Communication skills

A good communication skill is always a given. This means that it is necessary to make an effort so that communication is always adapted to the content, the interlocutor and other circumstances, so as not to create interference or misunderstandings. It is necessary to take care that communication is established in a clear and constructive way, especially within a team where knowing how to effectively articulate thoughts is crucial. It is important to remember that part of good communication is the ability to listen carefully to the interlocutors.

Growth mindset

More than ever, it is necessary to adapt to changes in the job market as a whole and in the company itself, which is why the growth mindset stands out among the desired soft skills. What does it really mean? Growth mindset is a concept about motivating individuals to improve and achieve milestones by constantly learning new skills and adapting to changing circumstances. As a team, the growth mindset leads to faster and more innovative solutions and creates a stimulating environment for the general growth of everyone involved in the process.

Critical remark

Critical observation means the ability to adequately analyze and interpret facts or situations. In a work environment context, an employee with the critical observation skill helps to bring new perspectives, as it offers new solutions and ideas and helps to improve internal processes. Only those who have critical observation notice the existence of established standards that can be adjusted and improved when necessary. For example, the points where deviations or errors occur most frequently, the appropriate times of day or week for individual tasks, the strongest aspects of competence of individual team members, among others.

Read also: Burnout: how to prevent it?

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is an increasingly important skill in the job market. It represents the ability to perceive, process and react appropriately to the emotions of others. A well-developed emotional intelligence is particularly crucial in conflict situations, as the right approach can contribute to a better, healthier and more cooperative working relationship between employees. It also helps you to think calmly and soberly and find constructive solutions to future challenges. In stressful situations, emotional intelligence is one of the keys that can help the whole team work more smoothly and successfully, as well as generate more trust between team members and within the company in the long term.

Self motivation

A work team works best and most successfully when the individual is self-motivated and does not require supervision, as he performs all tasks on his own initiative and within the set time frame. Self-motivation is also closely related to trust and commitment to the team, so this is certainly one of the soft skills worth developing and cultivating. However, it is not enough for the professional to work by himself, but the work environment must also offer an adequate space for the growth and development of his potential as a whole.

CONCLUSION

As seen, soft skills are interpersonal skills that allow the individual to have added value within the job market. However, they must be accompanied by know-how and technical skills in order to make the employee more valued and respected within the workplace. The best way to develop soft skills is probably a combination of the old and new ways. Work experience will always be the best teacher, but complementing it with personal development on their own with the resources and tools that best suit their learning styles can help an individual grow faster.

Read also: The best jobs to work remotely

FAQs

The post The most valued soft skills appeared first on Cowork Lab - Business Centers.

The above example shows how companies at some point need people who believe in and support their business with funding and make it available so that these companies can move forward, progress, and achieve established goals. In fact, for some entrepreneurs, external investment is the only way to keep their business idea alive. But what exactly are investors, how are they distinguished, and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

Investors

An investor is an individual or organization that gives money to another person or organization in the hope of a return on the invested capital. Theoretically, anyone can be an investor, even if they are a friend or a relative. As long as someone invests money in something, they are an investor; however, making an investment often comes with an expected counterpart. Depending on the type of investment made, the counterparts may consist of shares in the company’s profits, the right to make decisions in the company’s management, among others, and are usually well specified in the contract between the parties.

What different types of investors are there?

As we have seen, investors have the potential to serve as the muscle or life force of a company. The right investor can help propel a startup from its inception to becoming a successful company.

In the startup financial market, there are various designations for investors, which vary according to the type of investment. These include business angels, who accompany a company in the founding process through capital investment and/or other forms of assistance. In addition to them, there are venture capitalists, who invest so-called venture capital in a company with growth potential. In addition to these investors, there are so-called peer-to-peer investors, who can be friends, acquaintances, or unknown individuals who invest in their company indirectly or through specific platforms. In any case, it is important to note that there are distinctions between the types of investors and, for those starting out in business, knowing the differences is essential for when the phase of seeking investments or increasing capital arrives.

Business angels

Business angels or angel investors are usually successful entrepreneurs who want to expand their wealth by investing in projects they believe in, especially startups that may have difficulty accessing more traditional forms of financing. This investment is usually in the form of a loan or a stake in the company, depending on the terms. Sometimes, they also guide or advise the business in which they are investing, considering that many of them have some knowledge in the area or type of business they invest in. In some cases, these “angels” make a high-risk investment in the hope of receiving a large return if the company is bought by a larger company or fund or if it is publicly traded on the stock exchange.

VC’s

Venture capitalists typically invest larger amounts of money into a company in order to secure a stake in the company.. The investment is based on the idea that this increase in social capital will increase in value over time and they will receive a return on their initial investment. This type of investor usually works with companies that have a solid business plan and have already demonstrated some degree of success. Additionally, they rarely invest in startups considered risky. Entrepreneurs who choose this route should be aware that by seeking investment from a venture capitalist, they may be partially giving up control over the company, as VCs will certainly want to have a say in management decisions. For this case, it is important to establish a detailed partnership agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party.

Peer-to-peer lending

Peer-to-peer lending, also known as social lending, allows entrepreneurs to obtain loans directly from other individuals, eliminating financial institutions as intermediaries. For this type of lending, startups and entrepreneurs can create online profiles for their specific projects on sites to be considered by investors. Potential investors can access the credit history of the proponent. After the investment is approved, it will be necessary to negotiate an interest rate for the investment with the lender, who is usually an individual. It is important to understand the loan terms and avoid delays in payments, as it can harm future loans through these platforms.

How to find investors?

To find the type of investor needed, it is necessary to establish a carefully crafted business plan, indicating relevant information such as the business idea, objectives, and strategies to implement them, as well as a financial plan. It will also be essential to convince investors to perceive the potential of the market that the company presents. It is important at a minimum to establish a network or know digital investment platforms and not give up the search after the first rejection. Sometimes the type of investor to look for will also depend on the stage your company is in. For example, there are some investors who prefer to invest in a more advanced phase of any enterprise, and typically, venture capitalists look for companies that already have some traction in the market, with a minimum viable product and a sales track record.

The advantage of an investor is that they bring a certain level of expertise through investments already made and may even know other investors. . Thus, they can not only support you financially but also give tips and advise you regarding your business. Unlike banks, it is usually not necessary to pay interest on the capital of investors who participate in your social capital, which can be more attractive to startups, which generally cannot generate cash surplus in the first years after their foundation. Additionally, the investment increases the company’s assets, which may make the company more attractive to other investors. However, it should be noted that there are also disadvantages of investor financing because, as previously mentioned, the investor establishes one or more conditions for their investment, which usually materialize in the form of company shares or profit participation. Founders, therefore, are no longer the only shareholders, which can lead to potential conflicts in decision-making processes between the investor and the founder.

FAQ’s

The post Investors: VCs, business angels, and others appeared first on Cowork Lab - Business Centers.

What is the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers from outside the European Union to work in Portugal, without the need for a local employment contract. With this visa, the professional can establish residence in the country and move freely within the Schengen area, making it an attractive option for those who value mobility. Granting the digital nomad visa implies, however, compliance with certain requirements that guarantee the economic viability of the professional during their stay.

Visa Requirements

The main requirements for obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa are as follows:

1. 1. Proof of Income: The candidate must demonstrate average monthly income in the last three months equivalent to at least four Portuguese minimum wages. In 2024, this amount amounts to 3,280 euros per month, which aims to ensure that the digital nomad has adequate means of subsistence.
2. 2. Proof of Means of Subsistence: In addition to the monthly income, it is necessary to prove that the individual has sufficient resources to cover his/her expenses in Portugal, through bank accounts or other assets.
3. 3. Employment or Service Provision Contracts : In the case of employees, the presentation of an employment contract is required. For self-employed professionals, the submission of service provision or partnership contracts is essential to prove economic activity.

Tax Regime for digital nomads in Portugal

Advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa

The visa provides significant advantages for professionals who wish to enjoy the Portuguese lifestyle:

1. Residence and Mobility: The residence permit allows you to move freely throughout the European Union, which is an added value for professionals who wish to expand their horizons within the European market.
2. Quality of Life and Competitive Cost of Living : Portugal offers one of the best climates in Europe and a relatively affordable cost of living, especially when compared to other Western European countries. High-speed internet access and a vast network of coworking spaces ensure ideal conditions for remote working.
3. Infrastructure and Security: Portugal has a modern infrastructure, high security and a welcoming environment, factors that contribute to the quality of life of digital nomads and their families.

Tax Residency and Tax Planning

A key issue for digital nomads in Portugal is tax residency, as this is what determines where income should be taxed. Tax residency in Portugal is granted to any individual who spends more than 183 days per year in the country, which implies the need to declare income, regardless of whether it is obtained in Portuguese territory or abroad.

The Importance of Tax Residency

Tax residency does not depend on the possession of a fixed residence, but rather on habitual residence in the country. If the digital nomad has not submitted the Declaration of Permanent Departure in his/her country of origin and remains in Portugal for more than 183 days, he/she may be considered a tax resident in both countries, resulting in dual tax residency. This situation entails the obligation to declare income in both countries, which may give rise to cases of double taxation, which makes tax planning essential.

Non-Habitual Resident Regime (NHR)

The Non-Habitual Resident Regime (RNH) has been, until its announced abolition, one of the main reasons why many qualified professionals have chosen Portugal. This regime allowed the taxation of income obtained in Portugal at a flat rate of 20% for professions considered to have high added value, such as engineers, doctors or architects. In addition, income obtained abroad could be exempt from taxation in Portugal, depending on international double taxation agreements. However, it is important to highlight that this regime is about to be abolished, requiring extra attention from those who can still benefit from it.

Tax Planning and Compliance

The issue of double taxation, combined with the exchange of information between tax authorities in different countries, requires digital nomads to adopt a clear strategy that complies with the laws of both countries where they may be considered tax residents. Failure to comply with tax obligations, particularly with regard to the universal income declaration, can result in severe penalties, including heavy fines and, in extreme cases, the loss of residence permits. Therefore, specialist tax advice is crucial to avoid mistakes and maximize the advantages offered by the Portuguese regime.

The Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal represents an excellent opportunity for remote professionals who wish to combine work with a high quality of life, while benefiting from an attractive tax regime. However, the key to success lies in proper tax planning, which allows you to avoid double taxation and ensure compliance with legal obligations both in Portugal and in your country of origin. For those seeking a balance between work, freedom and security, Portugal presents itself as the ideal destination, both personally and professionally.

The post Tax Regime for digital nomads in Portugal appeared first on Cowork Lab - Business Centers.

TYPES OF STARTUPS

Although they vary in their business models, objectives and sectors of activity, all startups share a search for innovation, problem solving and the potential for rapid growth. In this context, we can find different types of startups, of which we highlight the following:

Scalable Startups

These are companies with the potential for rapid growth and seek to capture a significant portion of the market with innovative ideas. They prioritize scalability, expanding without proportionally increasing costs. They generally seek venture capital financing to boost their growth and achieve their expansion plans.

Lifestyle Startups

Focused on the balance between entrepreneurs’ personal and professional lives, these startups do not necessarily seek rapid growth, but rather create an environment that supports the desired lifestyle. They operate in niche markets and offer flexibility in schedules and remote work options. Examples include businesses related to yoga, sports, dance, jewelry sales, fashion consultancy, among others.

Small Business Startups

These focus on local or niche markets. These startups prioritize long-term stability and sustainability. They are generally self-financed or supported by loans; they contribute to community development and the creation of jobs in their areas of activity. Eco-lodges, small-scale agribusinesses and artisanal businesses are some examples.

Social Entrepreneurship Startups

Combining business principles with social or environmental impact objectives, these startups seek to solve urgent issues, such as poverty and inequalities, in a financially viable way. They use strategies such as social enterprises and impact investments to achieve dual results: financial sustainability and social or environmental benefits. Organizations such as Plataforma Makobo, Mozambikes and BioMec exemplify this type of enterprise in Mozambique.

Corporate Startups (Intrapreneurship)

These are initiatives that are born and developed within larger organizations, taking advantage of the resources and market presence of the parent company to foster innovation and explore new markets or products. Promoting a culture of internal entrepreneurship, they encourage employees to pursue innovative ideas with the company’s dedicated support.

University Startups

They are created from academic institutions; These startups aim to commercialize products or discoveries resulting from university research. Leveraging university resources such as research facilities, they work collaboratively with faculty and students to develop marketable solutions, providing practical entrepreneurial experience for students.

WHAT MAKES A STARTUP SUCCESSFUL?

Successful startups are those that manage to transform their ideas into profitable and sustainable ventures, creating value for shareholders, employees, customers and society as a whole. These emerging companies demonstrate significant growth in terms of revenue, customer base, market share and impact on the industry or market in which they operate. Furthermore, successful startups are usually recognized for the innovation of their products or services, the efficiency of their operations and their ability to adapt to changes in the business environment.

DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN STARTUPS

Startups are distinguished from each other mainly by the following aspects:

Business model:

Each startup can adopt a unique business model, which defines how the company creates, delivers and captures value. This may include subscription models, marketplace, freemium, among others.

Activity Sector:

Startups can operate in a wide variety of sectors, such as technology, health, finance, education, transport, among others. The sector in which they operate influences their growth, competition and regulatory strategies.

Value offer:

Each startup offers a specific value proposition to its customers, that is, the promise of benefits that its products or services bring. This may include technological innovations, convenience, cost savings, among others.

Growth Strategy:

Startups can adopt different strategies to grow, such as geographic expansion, product diversification, strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, among others.

Organizational culture:

A startup’s culture, including its values, beliefs, practices and work environment, can vary significantly from one company to another. This affects the way employees work and interact within the organization.

Financing source:

Startups can obtain financing from various sources, such as angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding, bank loans, among others. The chosen financing strategy can impact the company’s growth and autonomy.

These are just some of the factors that distinguish startups from each other, and each company may have a unique combination of these elements that contributes to its identity and success.

The post TYPES OF STARTUPS AND SUCCESSFUL STARTUPS appeared first on Cowork Lab - Business Centers.

Pedro Ferreira, General Manager of CoWork Lab, a company that owns seven business centers in Maputo, the Mozambican capital, equipped with several services and ammenities, in line with the most current requirements of professionals looking for offices equipped to develop their activities.

“The global public health crisis caused by the spread of COVID-19 also forced Mozambique to take measures (to minimize and contain the spread of the virus), which had a profound impact on the business fabric and, in general, on society. This also took its toll on oworking spaces, but, after a period of adaptation, which forced us to put in place a contingency plan, a set of good practices and some specific rules, within the scope of the protection of people in work spaces. , the outlook has stabilized and we are feeling that the threat has brought renewed opportunities for our sector ”, explains the entrepreneur.

To what extent?

“The hybrid models of work and teleworking itself, 100% remote, are not only here to stay, but – we feel – are strengthened. More and more professionals are not willing / able to transform their homes to the requirements of teleworking. And the number of companies that prefer to direct old or new jobs to spaces outside their facilities is growing. The very forced experience of many, placed in remote work, brought new opportunities, hence we feel and envision an increase in the activity of the business centers – which knew how to adapt to the new reality, to welcome people safely in the workplace in times of need. Covid-19, continuing to promote networking and enhance talent”, explains the head of CoWork Lab.

Some good workplace safety practices in Covid-19 time

But, from now on, more and more fundamental for such consolidation of coworking spaces will be the concern and the preparation of the corresponding facilities in the scope of the protection of people (professionals and visitors) in the context of work.

And that is why, not only based on the guide created by the WHO – World Health Organization, but on other sets of good practices, and taking into account common specificities, several centers of shared and / or collaborative work have adopted a set of measures and practices.

The first one immediately points to the business card of any company, that is, the check-in (reception desk). It is becoming common that, on arrival, in addition to disinfecting hands in the alcohol-gel dispenser, the visitor is subjected to a temperature test before entering the premises.

Several businesses even offer protective masks and even an individual on recycled paper (and to discard later to be used) – in order to prevent hands and arms from touching meeting and / or work tables.

Comply with the new etiquette and occupancy limits

In addition to the warnings about the desirable hygiene label, spread over corridors, meeting areas and the like, the new “normal” – the one that puts safety in the workplace in Covid-19 time first – dictated tight routines of cleaning of surfaces (tables, walls, handles, equipment in common use, etc.), and also a greater distance between desks and partitions in acrylic, normally

Nowadays, the indication of maximum capacity and limit of spaces is normally seen, and this is equally true for meeting rooms in coworking centers, which must be cleaned as soon as they have just been used.

Air renewal is another concern to be taken into account. This implies a tighter cadence in the maintenance and cleaning of the air conditioning equipment, as well as the regular opening of windows, in order to promote ventilation. And not just in the common areas.

Always share and circulate with a sense of safety in the workplace in Covid-19 time

Speaking of common areas … In order to guarantee distance, good practices also recommend placing information about circulation directions on the floor.

In addition to this dimension, and in order make it easy to safely make use of the working spaces in Covid-19 time, extra care in the utilization of the areas and services (pantries, canteens / cafeterias, lounge …) and equipment used in a shared way by coworkers: cutlery (sanitized and / or wrapped in disposable protective film), trays , microwave, coffee machines, refrigerators, vending and many others.

Hence, many coworking spaces are establishing rotating schedules for the consumption of food and, in some cases, some equipment.

It is worth noting that the new coronavirus can survive up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel surfaces, about 24 hours on paper and approximately four hours on copper …

READ ALSO: How to work remotely: the balance of the new labor paradigm

The responsibility of one makes everyone responsible …

In any case, sometimes using some common sense also helps. And each of us has a share of responsibility. It is, at bottom, a question of attitude, which begins with seeing if we have everything we need in our workspace, in order to optimize it and keep it safe.

There are, even, several examples of coworking spaces that passed the training actions that they make available for “live training” and, others, less, with social responsibility actions in progress, with the creation of community funds to meet the momentary needs of coworkers .

The spread of the new coronavirus has forced drastic changes in the personal and professional routines of all of us and, more than ever, safety in the workplace in Covid-19 time is paramount.

And that is why we stop seeing newspapers, magazines, brochures and other reading articles in several common spaces.

The renovation of the coworking spaces required by the pandemic is, currently, incorporating new ideas and even affecting the design of future areas of work. To the point that some architects started to design buildings from scratch with new concerns and lessons in mind. But this revolution has just begun …

READ ALSO: Remote work productivity: the (high) performance wears casual

The post Workplace Safety in Covid-19 times: new context has brought new opportunities for coworking… appeared first on Cowork Lab - Business Centers.