Using tech to stay ahead in the Digital Nomad Revolution

A new breed of worker has emerged in the 2020s: the digital nomad. More of us want to work differently and, thanks to technology, we can. The individuals, who decide to do so, eschew traditional office settings in favour of a location-independent lifestyle. And fuelled by developments in communications, collaboration and advanced connectivity, even more workers are opting for this way of working.

Let’s explore how it works and why employers need to acknowledge and buy-in to this movement to secure the best talent.

The tech behind the movement

“Working smarter is learning to prioritise, plan and focus our energies with meaningful intent.”

^{Michael Thomas Sunnarborg}

Of course, none of this would be possible without the advancements in technology of the last few years. High-speed internet, cloud computing and a vast and ever evolving range of productivity tools have transformed the way we work. They break down geographical barriers and allow seamless communication and collaboration across borders. Workers can work together regardless of their physical location.

We’ve also seen the rise of the “gig economy” thanks to platforms such as Zoom, Teams, Slack, and Google Workspace. These platforms have encouraged more freelancers and independent contractors to venture out and find work remotely. Ultimately, it’s become easier for them to monetise their services and expertise whilst they travel the world or even relocate.

Evolving work culture

 “Every once in a while, a new technology, an old problem, and a big idea turn into an innovation.”

^{Dean Kamen}

The traditional 9-to-5 office culture is slowly being replaced by a more flexible approach to work. The pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work with companies having to adapt almost overnight.

For many it meant investing in the necessary technology and then keeping it up to date. But, more forward-thinking employers are increasingly accepting the remote working arrangements being sought by digital nomads and others. Especially as they recognise the benefits of reduced overhead costs, access to a global talent pool and overall employee satisfaction and retention. In our dynamic landscape, where agility and adaptability are paramount, keeping on top of technology in an affordable and manageable way is vital.

Financial flexibility to adapt to changing needs

Many businesses are moving away from the traditional model of purchasing technology outright. This because they understand that alternative finance such as Leasing can be a more flexible and cost-effective solution. This is critical as technology continues to evolve and new innovation emerges. It means that businesses need to ensure that their technology infrastructure remains compatible with the latest tools and platforms. Just as remote working is fluid and scalable, alternative finance is often the most agile and efficient way to address budget constraints.

As a business grows, having predictable monthly Leasing payments for technology and related equipment, along with no upfront capital expenditure, means it’s easier to conserve cash and manage liquidity. Above all, it enables management teams to allocate its resources more efficiently to other areas of a business.

And what if something goes wrong?

In the world of remote work and the digital nomad, technical issues and downtime can disrupt connectivity and productivity needs to be avoided. So, having reliable maintenance and support services is essential. Leasing technology, depending on the supplier, often includes built-in maintenance and support agreements. This, plus equipment insurance, can be a life-line ensuring that businesses have access to timely assistance and troubleshooting whenever they need it.

Ignoring digital nomads and the new labour movement at large is a risky business. To secure the best talent, looking at all labour opportunities is a strategic necessity when staying ahead of the curve. That’s along with enabling seamless integration with evolving technologies. Alternative finance, such as Leasing, can further empower businesses to thrive in the digital nomad and remote working era. Then they can seize opportunities for growth and success. You can read more about it in our Report about Leasing in the UK – ‘Lease of Life’.

At GRENKE UK, we can help you to lease the equipment you need to attract and retain top talent and stay competitive in today's market. We’re flexible and whether it’s just one laptop or an entire office’s worth, we can help.