Figuratively speaking, digital nomads are here to stay

The solution: perfect virtual meeting spaces in the office. Spaces where on-site and remote employees can connect seamlessly.

Let’s check it out.

Digital nomads – tl;dr

• A digital nomad is a fully remote employee who periodically travels. 16.9M U.S. workers currently call themselves digital nomads — a number that has increased a whopping 131% since 2019 due to the workforce’s changing priorities, the broad adoption of flexible working policies, and the rapid growth of products and services designed to make digital nomadism a more feasible way of life.

• Digital nomads bring special value to any team. Compared to traditional employees, they are generally more technically savvy, skills-oriented, and well-educated. Furthermore, 81% are highly satisfied with their work and lifestyle, making them productive and loyal employees. Overall, they are adaptive, original-thinking individuals with an entrepreneurial view and a flexible workstyle that livens a team’s dynamic.

• Buffer’s State of Remote Work 2020 Report finds that collaboration, communication, and loneliness are the biggest challenges for these jetsetting teleworkers. In fact, 30% of digital nomads struggle with feelings of isolation. So to ensure the success of your virtual employees, the office must have sufficient virtual meeting spaces like Hushoffice meeting pods tailored for hybrid conference calls, where collaboration and communication can flow.

What is a digital nomad?

A digital nomad is anyone who combines remote working with some degree of regular travel. Some relocate every few months. Others are stationed mainly at home, taking a few trips a year. Others swear by frequent “workcations.”

Regardless of special cases, all digital nomads are autonomous, adventuresome people. They may be self-employed contract or freelance workers. Or full-time or part-time and salaried. Or business owners. But their defining aspect is a preference for being at home or on the go, working from the road

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Digital nomadism is on the rise.

“People who embrace a location-independent, technology-enabled lifestyle have moved from being eccentrics to mainstream in less than a decade,”said MBO Partners in their 2022 Digital Nomads Report, finding that 16.9M U.S. workers are digital nomads — a figure up an incredible 131% since 2019.

Why is digital nomadism becoming normal?

Many factors have contributed to its boom. But a cultural shift is a principal cause for the upsurge in the number of globe-trotting employees; more and more, people value experiences over things. This comes as no surprise, knowing that 2020 forced many to reassess what really matters.

Digital nomadism is becoming more mainstream because priorities have changed in the past few years. And this in tandem with the widespread adoption of flexible working. Furthermore, the market of tools that make the life of a digital nomad much easier has exploded. Networking apps, travel planner sites, and digital nomad hubs around the world, Bali to Melbourne, and so on. Today, more than 50 countries even offer digital nomad visas. This terrific trend is yet another reason the office must be designed with remote workers in mind and complete with premium virtual meeting spaces like Hushoffice pods

– lends Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Digital nomads bring uncommon value to your company.

They are technically savvy, skills-oriented, well-educated professionals.

Digital nomads are typically more IT literate than traditional employees.

They rely heavily on digital tools to do their work, so it makes sense that they have strong technical skills. 86% say they use technology to make themselves more competitive in their work, versus just 47% of non-digital nomads.

It goes without saying that tech-fluency is a great resource. Techy people understand tricky platforms, conversion pathways, client relationships, etcetera. They can often identify and implement solutions briskly. They can also help fellow team members adopt new processes, making everyone more proficient

– adds Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

74% of digital nomads are early adopters.

That is compared to only 42% of traditional employees. Early adopters can help your company keep up with the industry’s latest, driving ingenuity. This type is often creative and adept at optimizing systems. So they can make your team more poised for the future.

By and large, digital nomads are happy, engaged employees.

Compared to just 68% of traditional employees, 81% of them are “highly satisfied with their work and lifestyle.” Happy employees perform higher caliber work and stick around longer than unhappy ones. Better output, less turnover, and a stronger talent pool result.

One of the many reasons to consider opening your talent pool to fully remote prospects is because employees become devoted to the company that accommodates what they want most — in the nomad’s case: freedom. And an employee who is truly devoted is invested in their job. They have a positive attitude and are willing to go the extra mile for a team’s progress

– explains Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Digital nomads who travel regularly offer fresh perspectives.

They are exposed to many cultures, languages, and paradigms, making them conducive to bright ideas. Their global view and feel for several ways of life is beneficial for a company that operates in different geographies or for a diverse customer base.

Digital nomads are entrepreneurial by nature.

They have an enterprising approach and are self-sufficient. Proactivity leads them to take initiative, tackling opportunities others might not even be on the hunt for. And nomadic employees with an entrepreneurial spirit are often extremely resilient since they live, to some

Digital nomads can be exceptionally productive.

Since they work when and where they work best — and value their time greatly — they are often super efficient. And because they are used to working in a variety of environments, adapting to new situations, they can be super flexible, too, and relied on in times of volatility.

What do digital nomads need to succeed? Connection, communication, and collaboration.

Buffer’s State of Remote Work 2020 report finds that collaboration, communication, and loneliness are the biggest challenges remote workers face. Thus, to ensure the prosperity of your fully remote employees, the office must have adequate virtual meeting spaces tailored for hybrid meetings.

The hushHybrid video call pod is the perfect virtual meeting spot.

30% of digital nomads struggle with loneliness. Regular, attentive communication can sustain connection. Booths like hushHybrid help — private, quiet cabins that shut out noise and distractions, for fluid discussion between employees in the office and employees anywhere else.

Check out hushHybrid here.

Need a small office booth for phone calls? Try hushPhone.

HushPhone is a cozy telephone booth that takes up less than 1 square meter of space. Its acoustics give every call a supreme degree of camaraderie and confidentiality.

Check out hushPhone here.

Need a space for hybrid collaboration? Try the hushAccess.L booth.

HushAccess.L is a large team meeting booth with a low threshold, wide entrance, and easy-to-grab latch handle. It is ultimately accessible. Continual ventilation, ample power outlets, and keen soundproofing make it a spot where everyone belongs.

Check out hushAccess.L here.

What do you think? Do you have any virtual employees? Are you thinking of hiring more? Are you considering becoming one yourself? If you have a question about Hushoffice pods for hybrid meetings leave us a note here.

Digital nomads are here to stay – summary

• A digital nomad is a fully remote employee who periodically travels. 16.9M U.S. workers currently call themselves digital nomads — a number that has increased a whopping 131% since 2019 due to the workforce’s changing priorities, the broad adoption of flexible working policies, and the rapid growth of products and services designed to make digital nomadism a more feasible way of life.

• Digital nomads bring special value to any team. Compared to traditional employees, they are generally more technically savvy, skills-oriented, and well-educated. Furthermore, 81% are highly satisfied with their work and lifestyle, making them productive and loyal employees. Overall, they are adaptive, original-thinking individuals with an entrepreneurial view and a flexible workstyle that livens a team’s dynamic.

• Buffer’s State of Remote Work 2020 Report finds that collaboration, communication, and loneliness are the biggest challenges for these jetsetting teleworkers. In fact, 30% of digital nomads struggle with feelings of isolation. So to ensure the success of your virtual employees, the office must have sufficient virtual meeting spaces like Hushoffice meeting pods tailored for hybrid conference calls, where collaboration and communication can flow. 

Digital nomads – frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of hiring digital nomads?

Digital nomads are technically savvy, skills-oriented, well-educated professionals. 86% say they use technology to make themselves more competitive in their work, versus just 47% of non-digital nomads. 74% are early adopters  compared to only 42% of traditional employees. And compared to just 68% of traditional employees, 81% of them are “highly satisfied with their work and lifestyle.”

What challenges do digital nomads face?

Buffer’s State of Remote Work 2020 report finds that collaboration, communication, and loneliness are the main challenges for remote workers. In fact, 30% of digital nomads face feelings of isolation. Therefore, the office must have adequate virtual meeting spaces like Hushoffice pods that accommodate remote employees during hybrid meetings, ensuring everyone feels included.

What is the best office pod for hybrid meetings?

HushHybrid is one of the best pods for hybrid conference calls. It is a one-person pod that is acoustically impeccable. It blocks out office noise while insulating speech made inside. It also features adjustable lighting and ventilation and can be equipped with additional LED video light strips to give video calls a professional touch. Learn about the pod here.