Recent figures show that a third of companies allow their staff to work remotely from abroad – with almost three in four (72 percent) considering it.
Whilst one in four (28 percent) reported that they had already worked from abroad previously – with almost one in eight of us (12 percent) having done so on holiday this year.
Seeing the world (51 percent), improving work life balance (50 percent), increased freedom (37 percent), working just as efficiently from a beach as from the office (35 percent), and spending more time with the family (34 percent), are the main reasons for considering the ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle.
Exploring new cultures (31 percent), escaping the stress of the daily commute (31 percent) and becoming proficient in a new language (16 percent) are also key considerations as to whether embrace working remotely abroad - all according to Post Office data.
Gen Z and Millennials were most likely to work remotely from outside the UK, with 83 percent considering it if they had the chance. Compared to just 56 percent of baby boomers.
It’s #WorldPostDay! Did you know that the Universal Postal Union started in 1874 in Switzerland and was the start of the global communications revolution, allowing people to send a letter all over the world! 🌎
— Post Office (@PostOffice) October 9, 2023
It also emerged that working remotely from a cheaper country whilst on a UK salary could be a savvy way of navigating the cost-of-living crisis, although people should consider the tax implications of working abroad.
A third (32 percent) said that they would work outside the UK to save cash – with 29 percent reporting that they would stay in cities cheaper than their hometowns.
Lisbon, Portugal (41 percent), Athens, Greece (35 percent), Porto, Portugal (34 percent), Lille, France (31 percent) and Zagreb, Croatia (22 percent) are considered the top cheap locations in Europe based on the Post Office Travel Money’s city costs barometer which looks at costs of food, accommodation and pints!
The ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle shows no signs of slowing with nine in 10 (89 percent) believing that in the not-too-distant future people will be able to work from wherever they are in the world.
It comes as Post Office urge those jumping on the trend to consider what it entails to avoid any unforeseen issues – do you need a visa, what is your tax liability, is it a favourable time zone, what travel insurance is needed?
Paul Paddock, Head of Travel and Protection at the Post Office said: “There is a clear trend towards mixing business and leisure and there are different ways of doing it. Bleisure is a good starting point, this is when you’ve taken a trip for work but extended your stay to see the sights. Workcations combine a break with some work time – allowing you to prolong your holiday without compromising your earning potential. Whilst digital nomads live a truly location-independent lifestyle, using technology to work anywhere in the world whilst earning. Whatever it is, we can help ensure that those considering remote work abroad are well prepared.”
It comes as one in four (23 percent) admit that they don’t know if standard travel insurance would cover them for working abroad, while 16 percent don’t know what their travel insurance covers at all.
A fifth (17 percent) aren’t sure if their travel insurance covers them if they lose their job or if they need to be transported back home due to injury or illness (12 percent).
26 percent rarely or never take out travel insurance before they head on holiday.
Paul continued “If you’re planning on working abroad, it is essential to take out travel insurance at the right time so that you’re covered financially. With a significant number opting to work from a cheaper city abroad to save money, the last thing needed is a hefty expense if things go wrong.
Going on holiday and need your passport renewed? ✈️ 🧳
— Post Office (@PostOffice) October 8, 2023
Apply in branch at least 3 weeks in advance of travelling using our Check & Send service and we'll help you get it right first time. pic.twitter.com/vgF1Aw7kew
“There are many insurance packages so it’s important to do the research to select the best one for you – does it include gadget cover if a laptop is stolen, is single or annual multi trip travel insurance most suitable, or might backpacker travel insurance be better? Not everything is covered as standard so it’s important to check the terms and conditions.”
The research did find that the ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle is not for everyone with one in four people (28 percent) saying they wouldn’t consider it.
A quarter (24 percent) said they would miss the support they have from their team in the UK, while a further one in four (24 percent) worry they would lose motivation if they were abroad and be too tempted to ditch work to do something more fun (21 percent).
One in four of us (23 percent) would miss the office banter – whilst 15 percent admit they would be concerned that the Wi-Fi wouldn’t be good enough to work once they were abroad. And one in six (14 percent) feel shattered at the mere thought of working in a different time zone.
However, with 60 percent of us having already had to do some work from holiday and 40 percent saying it has become an expectation – many of us may be unknowingly trialling the digital nomad lifestyle already.
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