Workers all over the world are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, according to the most recent MBO Partners report, which indicated that the number of employees being location independent has increased by 131% since the pandemic started.
According to the report, an estimated 16.9 million workers describe themselves as digital nomads, while 11.1 million work in traditional employment, a 9% growth from 10.2 million in 2021.
As a result, the group of digital nomads with traditional occupations is the “fastest growing,” with workers choosing places with lower costs of living expenses and good amenities.
Governments around the world are also making it easier for digital nomads to relocate. According to HRD, Germany, Estonia, Norway, Mexico and Portugal and other 30+ countries already grant visas to digital nomads, and Spain is considering the same.
As the number of digital nomads grows, Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners, advises businesses to start thinking about how to engage flexible and blended teams.
“The massive rise in digital nomads is just one more sign that the workforce of yesterday is gone for good,” said Everson. “The ‘work from anywhere’ trend is here to stay, and employers must take note that the power is in the hands of the worker, not the employer or client.”
“To embrace this strong and growing population of nearly 17 million workers, look beyond the if and into the how – create and enforce a documented nomad policy, and consider how to engage flexible, blended talent teams that engage for purpose and outcomes.”