Digital nomads: the future of work or just a passing trend?

What are digital nomads?

Lorenz Ramseyer: Digital nomads are employees, freelancers or entrepreneurs who mainly work with digital technologies. Laptops, smartphones and various online applications are their key tools, and they don’t generally require any infrastructure apart from electricity and a wireless internet connection. This means that digital nomads can work from anywhere and often lead a location-independent life or have several places of residence or work. 

Is the digital nomad life simply a new working model?

No, it’s far more than that. It’s a lifestyle all of its own. A digital nomad’s goal is not to become a millionaire in the traditional sense, but – as I call it – a time millionaire. Time for travelling, for family and for friends is particularly important to many digital nomads.

Who does remote working concern?

Over half of Swiss employees are what are known as knowledge workers. They are not tied to a specific working environment, which means they can work from anywhere. A third of them also take advantage of this opportunity occasionally. A digital nomadic life isn’t restricted to freelancers abroad. It can also be selectively integrated into the everyday life of permanent employees in Switzerland – for example, in the form of a workation (combination of work and holiday) in the mountains.

Why should a company invest in remote working?

To prepare for a new dawn in the world of work. Even more work will be done on a remote basis in future. Managers and employees will communicate differently, and will use new channels and new forms of cooperation. This requires training.

One example of this is the Innotour project “Good Work Switzerland”. As a remote work consultant, I help tourism destinations such as the Aletsch Arena and Gstaad to successfully tap into the new “remote worker” business segment. We develop both solo and team workations that allow company employees to work in a new environment while benefiting from workshops and networking opportunities. The objective is to increase attractiveness and employee satisfaction and promote productivity.

Do environmental considerations also play a role?

Yes, remote working can reduce a company’s environmental footprint by minimizing commuting times and business trips.

What are the potential opportunities of this lifestyle for digital nomads?

The digital nomad lifestyle offers numerous opportunities, such as the chance to experience new cultures and build a global network. It also enables them to organize their working environment flexibly, which often leads to greater satisfaction and productivity. Companies benefit from the diversity and fresh perspectives that digital nomads bring to their work.

And what are the risks?

The risks include challenges in terms of self-discipline and time management, especially when working in different time zones. There is also a risk of social isolation and difficulties in maintaining a stable work-life balance. Legal and tax uncertainties can arise when working in different countries.

How can digital nomads maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially when working in different time zones or travelling frequently?

Digital nomads should establish clear working hours and schedule regular breaks to avoid burnout. It’s also important to maintain social contacts, whether through local networks or online communities, to avoid loneliness. Strategies such as setting up a permanent workplace and using co-working spaces can also help to find a healthy balance.

In view of increasing cyber threats, what security measures should digital nomads take to protect their data?

As in other IT professions, digital nomads should always use VPNs (virtual private networks) to secure their Internet connections, especially on public networks. Regular software updates and strong, unique passwords are also essential. They should also be wary of phishing attacks and only share sensitive data via encrypted channels.

How has the Swiss labour market developed in recent years with regard to remote working?

The Swiss labour market has changed in recent years, particularly due to the pandemic and the shortage of skilled workers, which has forced many companies to introduce flexible working models. Sectors such as IT, marketing and consulting are particularly progressive. Traditional offices have evolved into hybrid workplaces that serve both collaboration and social interaction.

What political framework conditions are needed to promote remote working while also protecting the rights of digital nomads?

Many digital nomads are freelancers, which means they have little protection under employment law. They have to pay their own pension and insurance contributions. In view of this, we’re in talks with trade unions and professional associations where we can discuss such issues in depth. Tax is also something to consider: people are generally liable for tax in the country where they work. There are some grey areas though: for example, if someone de-registers in Switzerland, travels to another country on a tourist visa and works on digital projects there. These forms of virtual work are over-stretching tax authorities in my view.

What skills and expertise will be particularly important for digital nomads in the future?

Digital nomads should have strong self-management and communication skills. Technical expertise is also essential, especially in dealing with remote work tools and cybersecurity. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial in order to adjust quickly to new environments and working conditions.

How are AI tools and automation changing the way digital nomads work?

AI tools and automation can help digital nomads work more efficiently by handling repetitive tasks and enabling real-time data analyses. Tools such as chatbots, project management software and automated marketing solutions can make day-to-day work much easier and free up more time for creative and strategic tasks.

What role do the metaverse and virtual workplaces play in the future of remote working?

The metaverse and virtual workspaces could revolutionize the future of remote working by providing immersive and interactive working environments. These technologies make it possible to hold meetings and collaborate in virtual reality, which further bridges the physical distance and promotes new forms of interaction and creativity.

Would you like to work flexibly?