It goes without saying that the events from the last couple of years have become catalysts in transforming the way we work. Remote work, a trend that was born of necessity, has now become a fixture across industries with many professionals taking advantage of a more flexible approach to the nine-to-five.
While working from home is often associated with remote work, there is another trend that has emerged when it comes to work transformation – “digital nomadism”.
Digital nomad employees represent a new breed of professionals who have fully embraced remote work by adopting a location-independent lifestyle enabled by digital tools and platforms. These individuals span various industries, including design, sales, writing, media, creative services, IT, marketing, and consulting. Unlike traditional remote workers who typically work from home, digital nomads have the freedom to choose their working hours and travel to new destinations without being tied down to a specific location. This sweeping trend has gained significant momentum in recent years, bolstered by advancements in communication technology, a growing desire for work-life balance, and the thirst for exploring new horizons.
Digital nomadism, although not a new concept, experienced a significant boost in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The global health crisis accelerated the recognition of remote work’s potential and highlighted the many advantages it offers to both employees and employers.
Dubai: An attractive destination for digital nomads
Current global studies estimate that there are now over 35 million digital nomads worldwide. As businesses confront the ongoing challenge of the talent gap, hiring digital nomads has emerged as an attractive and strategic solution. To cater to this growing trend, many countries, including Argentina, Germany, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), now offer Digital Nomad Visas.
Among the diverse array of global destinations competing to attract digital nomads, the UAE stands out as an enticing destination for professionals seeking a location-independent lifestyle. Dubai, in particular, has rapidly solidified its position as a strategic hub connecting Asia and Europe, making it an optimal choice for digital nomads.
Dubai has recently been ranked as the second-fastest-growing remote working destination among seventy-five cities. With its robust technological infrastructure, featuring high-speed internet connectivity and state-of-the-art facilities, the city offers a fertile ground for digital nomads to stay connected and productive even as they travel and explore the region.
To support digital nomads, Dubai has introduced a virtual working programme, which includes a remote work visa valid for one year. In order to qualify, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as a minimum monthly income of $3,500 (AED 12,845), documentation proving employment or an operating business, and either health insurance or travel insurance with comprehensive health coverage. The cost of the visa, including application, medical fitness requirements, visa, and Emirates ID, amounts to nearly $611 (AED 2,300).
The benefits of hiring digital nomads
So, how can enterprises benefit from hiring digital nomads? The talent gap poses a significant challenge for companies seeking to attract and retain top-tier professionals. By embracing digital nomad employees, businesses can tap into a global talent pool unshackled by geographical constraints. These nomads can bring diverse skill sets and fresh perspectives to enterprises.
Fifty-eight percent of organisations report having technology talent working in a fully remote and borderless arrangement, according to a recent study by Gartner. This number has doubled in the past three years.
“Today, in the professional world, location is fluid, the market is global, and the talent competition is agnostic as we are all competing under the same flag, technology,” said Gabriela Vogel, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner.
“Consequently, countries are losing talent to other countries, the public sector is losing talent to the private sector, and all the verticals are in the same situation. There are no more competition, boundaries, and business and IT leaders hire borderless staff where they have the biggest competitive advantage – what we call the “borderless zone”.”
Vogel further noted that hiring borderless staff requires businesses and IT leaders to make significant adjustments to their operational model, including revising their management techniques, infrastructure and technology, cybersecurity and data protection, and pay equity.
Embracing the rise of digital nomads presents organisations with exceptional opportunities to strengthen their workforce. By tapping into this talent pool, companies can unlock a range of advantages, including:
Expanded talent pool: As the number of unfilled tech jobs rises, and with more turnover among younger tech workers, hiring digital nomads offers companies access to a vast and diverse talent pool, with professionals hailing from various backgrounds and cultures.
Cost-savings: Digital nomads can leverage geo-arbitrage, which enables them to benefit from a lower cost of living in one part of the world while receiving a salary from a country with a higher cost of living. By hiring digital nomads, companies can offer competitive compensation packages to these professionals while being mindful of their finances.
Enhanced productivity and flexibility: Digital nomads thrive in remote work environments, exhibiting adaptability, self-motivation, and efficient time management skills. Their flexible work arrangements and autonomous mindset often translate into higher productivity levels and the ability to deliver exceptional work, regardless of location or time zone.
Cultural diversity and inclusion: Digital nomad employees bring unique cultural perspectives and global awareness to organisations. Their exposure to different environments nurtures creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. By embracing this diversity, businesses foster inclusive work environments that drive innovation and success.
As companies strive to gain a competitive edge, digital nomadism offers businesses the opportunity to tap into a global talent pool, foster innovation and creativity, and build inclusive work environments that drive success in today’s borderless and interconnected world.
