Millennials are trendsetters, and there are no exceptions, even when it comes to working. Many young professionals are now looking for flexible work opportunities that allow them to have a healthier work/life balance.
During the pandemic, many people got to experience the benefits of working from home, and those same people are now becoming digital nomads who work remotely and travel.
Why Does Your Company Need Digital Nomads?
Digital nomads are professionals who don’t work in an office or any one location. Essentially, they’re remote workers that can travel and work from anywhere in the world.
Most of the time, digital nomads are freelancers, but sometimes companies allow their employees to work remotely and don’t care about timezones or locations. Here are 4 reasons why your company should hire digital nomads.
1. Entrepreneurial Spirit
Digital nomads are used to taking the initiative; they have the habits and routines of successful employees. Since most of them are freelancers, they have to have their own small businesses to support their lifestyles.
Digital nomads are motivated to begin projects on their own and manage their own time and tasks without the need for a manager. Not only that, but digital nomads are independent, and understanding the work they do must be important to take them away from their busy travels.
Related: Best Apps to Help you Get More Done as a Digital Nomad
2. Natural Negotiators
Digital nomads have to negotiate the terms of their contracts with their clients. They’re always seeking better opportunities for higher pay so they can support themselves. Not only that, but they have to market themselves online and sell their services to people around the world.
In addition, thanks to their love of traveling, they have learned about cultural differences that can help your business negotiate with clients and partners overseas.
3. Skill Sets
Digital nomads are used to dealing with deadlines, which means they are masters of keeping up with different time zones and prioritizing their projects. Not only that, but because time is money for them, they have perfected the art of being efficient.
4. Creative
Typically, freelancers and digital nomads have creative skills which have allowed them to travel while working. Not only that, but they must continuously find creative ways to solve problems and attract new clients.
Why Your Company Needs a Digital Nomad Policy
If you don’t already have one on your team, you should start hiring digital nomads as soon as possible. The number of digital nomads is increasing month after month as more individuals begin to realize the benefits of working remotely and working for themselves.
Not only that, but digital nomads, even though they were once freelancers, are highly employable. They’re typically well-educated and digitally savvy, which can help your business succeed and compete in a competitive marketplace. Many digital nomads are in high-demand careers, such as engineering, design, social media, and marketing.
Creating a Digital Nomad Policy
A digital nomad policy should consist of hiring freelancers and other types of digital nomads and promoting the lifestyle to your current employees.
While it might be difficult for traditional businesses to let employees work out of the office, it can provide you with many benefits, including happier employees who work more efficiently and harder.
A digital nomad policy is a document and agreement between you and your employees that explain your commitment to supporting the digital nomad lifestyle. This document also addresses potential issues, such as working hours and salaries, and establishes guidelines for managing digital nomad employees. Having a digital nomad policy:
Prepares Your Company for the Future
More companies are going remote, which means they can not only hire the best employees from all over the world, but their employees are happier and have a better work/life balance. If you want to prepare your company for the future and allow it to compete with others, you’ll need a policy in place.
Working outside of the office is not a trend; it’s something that will continue and even increase to the point where many businesses will operate solely online. Investing in a digital nomad policy addresses issues that might restrict your business and its employees.
Empowers Employees
A digital nomad policy will empower employees to work more effectively from home. Your employees will understand their rights and responsibilities under the law and according to their employee handbooks with this document.
In addition, managers can reference the document to make the right decisions regarding the management of those underneath them.
Prevents Negative Outcomes
A digital nomad policy establishes guidelines and processes for working outside of the office. It also ensures your company works within the law.
What Should be Included in a Digital Nomad Policy?
As stated, your digital nomad policy should allow all of your employees to work remotely if possible. However, it should also state which employees are not eligible to work remotely. For example, office employees might be able to work remotely while warehouse employees cannot. Here are other things that should be included in your policy.
Working Hours
If your business operates within a certain timezone and your employees need to be available to clients and customers during certain hours, your policy should state that.
For example, if your business is open from nine to five eastern standard time, you’ll need your employees to know when they’re expected to be online and answer emails and phone calls.
Communication Guidelines
Working remotely means your employees can’t walk up to one another when they need to communicate. Your policy should include guidelines and expectations for communication. It should also list the tools you’ll need to use to communicate with your managers and coworkers.
Expectations
Your digital nomad policy should outline your expectations for remote employees. For example, if there are deadlines on tasks, you should ensure your employees know they need to finish those tasks before they sign off for the day.
If your business doesn’t require employees to be online at set times, you should have guidelines for ensuring that work gets done properly and on time.
Hiring Digital Nomads
Digital nomads can make great employees, but you should vet them like you do all other employees. While someone might be a great freelancer, they might not make the best employee because they don’t enjoy working for other people.
Before you hire someone to work remotely, make sure you meet them face-to-face with a video call to get to know them and discuss expectations.
