The boost in the culture of Digital Nomadism is definitely one of the positive after-effects in the professional world, post-pandemic. The culture has quite literally brought about a breath of fresh air among the younger workforce, allowing them the freedom to disconnect from a hectic urban schedule. The culture is also reflecting a much higher level of productivity among these digital nomads, an almost incomprehensible change for those from a more traditional work culture!
This article by Deloitte could be an eye-opener for all managers with any concerns about productivity. ‘In any work environment, but particularly so in a virtual and hybrid work ecosystem, employers must be proactive and explicit in making the desired outcomes and outputs of work visible to employees in order to achieve them. Shifting to measuring accomplishments and outcomes over activities and labor hours allows organizations to cultivate a work environment of high-performing and productive teams. Focusing on outcomes and trusting employees to achieve them, will lead to increased work effectiveness.’
Many countries, including India, have started issuing digital nomad visas that allow people to visit, travel, and work from their respective countries, for short durations. The money people had to spend on rent and commuting is becoming a source to fund their travel! Most digital nomads have very few prerequisites to work uninterruptedly like electricity and internet access. However, this may become a slight challenge at times in our country. This is where coworking spaces step in to elevate the experience of digital nomads.
Globally, digital nomads are being welcomed. A report by MBO Partners suggests that the number of digital nomads with traditional jobs increased by 42% in 2021, growing from 6.3 million in 2020 to 10.2 million in 2021. This is on top of the number of digital nomads with traditional jobs almost doubling in 2020 compared to 2019. While Italy is giving a 70% tax reduction for digital nomads, Spain has recently started offering them a 15% tax against the 25% tax on residents. This is the new wave in the future of working and we, the coworking spaces are embracing them with both arms. Enjoy the freedom of not being confined to a place while enjoying all the amenities of being in a workspace, without the hassles of procuring or maintaining these amenities.
Coworking spaces are one of the best options for digital nomads to work seamlessly, no matter where they are, providing additional benefits like high networking and finding apt business communities. There are many options for coworking brands available across India, and there are brands, which provide more than one location to work out of. They also offer various packages and passes, allowing co-workers to choose a space per their requirements and convenience.
One added advantage of using coworking spaces is that there are higher chances of being exposed to others with similar interests, ideas, or visions as you. There could be multiple people who have gone through the exact roadblocks that are currently a hindrance for you. Yes, it is not guaranteed that you will find all your solutions by simply being part of a coworking campus. But, getting inspiration from those people who have overcome varied challenges like these is indeed possible. Even though this may not come across as a priority for you as a digital nomad, it is a blessing in disguise. It takes only one spark to light a fire and the coworking industry intends to provide the right conditions to ensure the fire catches on.
There are many successful brands that work out of coworking campuses, despite the difference in their sizes! Numerous events occur at these campuses, allowing one to have high networking opportunities with both peers and HNIs alike. Some spaces do host occasional workshops every now and then, which can help improve the productivity of you or your team in general.
Coworking spaces are becoming the future of workspaces in real-time, significantly reducing the hassles of companies associated with running an office. With this process already happening as we speak, integrating digital nomads into such workspaces will also make it easier for employers to enable collaboration among teams without any complexities arising. This process will also reduce the boredom of repetition among these nomads, allowing them to work out of fresh atmospheres, especially if associated with coworking brands that have multiple locations within a city.
(The author is Mr. Shesh Rao Paplikar, CEO & Co-founder, BHIVE Group, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
