SOHO
![small office home office](/jargon/s/soho.jpg)
Short for small office/home office, SOHO refers to a category of business or cottage industry that involves fewer than ten workers. In a SOHO setting, a business is often run from a home office and may involve family members or non-related individuals working independently.
SOHO history
In the mid-1980s, the arrival of personal computers and fax machines, coupled with advancements in telecommunications, opened up remote work possibilities for office workers. Employers saw decentralization not only as a way to reduce costs, but also as a potential source for increased productivity. Essentially, the SOHO setup became a flexible and cost-effective arrangement for entrepreneurs and professionals who don't necessarily need a traditional office space.
The concept of remote work was thrust in the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic of the early 2020s. During this time, many businesses needed workers to stay home due to the highly-contagious nature of the virus.