Rise of Digital Nomads Signals New Workforce Trend

The number of “digital nomads” with traditional jobs rose by 9% in 2022 to 11.1 million workers, according to research by MBO Partners. Overall, 16.9 million American workers describe themselves as digital nomads, up 131% from the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

Digital nomads are those who work remotely while traveling to various locations, and the rise in digital nomads is one more sign the workforce of yesterday is gone for good, MBO Partners CEO Miles Everson said.

“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,” Everson said.

Employers need to consider creating a documented digital nomad policy and consider how to engage such talent, he added.

MBO’s report also found 81% of digital nomads report being highly satisfied, while 11% are “satisfied.” Only 3% were dissatisfied.

The “van life” segment of digital nomads — those who travel, live and work in RVs, vans or other vehicles converted in roaming residences — rose 19% in 2022 to a total of 3.1 million such workers.

MBO also found a growing support network for digital nomads with nomad villages such as Nomad Village Brazil and Digital Nomad Valley Zadar, Croatia.

However, MBO noted that only 8% to 11% of those who express interest in the digital nomad lifestyle will actually make the leap in the next two to three years.

Original Article: (https://www2.staffingindustry.com/Editorial/Daily-News/Rise-of-digital-nomads-signals-new-workforce-trend-63357)