Digital nomads are remote workers who take advantage of their location-independent jobs to travel and live where they choose , whether domestically or internationally . According to a research study from the MBO Partners State of Independence , there are around 15.5 million digital nomads in the US , an increase of 42 % from 2020 , and an increase of 112 % from 2019 . ( Source : MBO Partners December 2021 .) As multifamily service providers , the digital nomad trend impacts our resident service approach as well as our talent acquisition and retention strategy .
All digital nomads need is a laptop and Wi-Fi . Those that want to travel on a continuous basis will seek out short-term nomads , providing our industry with many opportunities to appeal to their needs and their lifestyle .
As the real estate market changes and more workers turn to remote work , it is likely that the digital nomad lifestyle will gain some further traction . Our industry has adapted and pivoted quickly during the COVID-19 era , implementing technologies to appeal to renters conducting apartment searches remotely as well as employees looking for remote or hybrid roles . As our industry works to reopen offices , it must consider the needs of the digital nomad and this new wave . Digital nomads tend to be younger knowledge workers , though this trend may accelerate across age groups , industries , and professional types as technology
" Currently , 46 Countries And Territories Are Offering Digital Nomad Visas ."
rentals , and those who want to stay in one location for longer periods of time will look to buy or rent long-term . Currently , 46 countries and territories are offering digital nomad visas , and other countries are considering launching digital nomad visa programs , according to Inc .
Digital nomads will seek out furnished homes , short-term leases , fast and reliable internet connections , and quiet spaces to work in , but still want to socialize and will look for community events or local events that connect them with others . Currently , renting seems to be the most popular way to go , and offering turnkey housing solutions may be the next big thing . Digital nomads want easy housing solutions . They don ’ t want to move furniture , go through endless screening processes or deal with long-term leases . Finding affordable and convenient homes is one of the biggest challenges for digital continues to evolve and workplace policies continue to become flexible to varying degrees . If this is an option for your company , consider a digital nomad policy and how this would affect your recruitment and retention efforts as well as your culture and operations model .
The question facing us as an industry is : Will we continue to adapt to changing renter and employee trends and capitalize on the potential benefits of this shift , or become stagnant ?
Erica Sanchez is a Regional Manager at Avenue 5 Residential www . aamdhq . org AUGUST 2022 TRENDS | 39