New Survey Reveals 1 in 10 US Workers are Digital Nomads, Urging Policy Overhaul

A recent study by MBO Partners® reveals that digital nomadism has transitioned from a niche lifestyle to a mainstream work movement, now encompassing 11% of the U.S. workforce, or 18.1 million workers. This shift necessitates immediate action from employers to adopt comprehensive policies and calls for an updated social contract between workers and corporations.

The 2024 State of Independence Report indicates that while digital nomadism has grown significantly, 36% of these workers operate without formal employer consent. This lack of formal policies exposes companies to substantial regulatory, tax, compliance, and cybersecurity risks. With the growing aspiration among workers to adopt this lifestyle, formal and enforceable policies are critical to mitigating these risks and capitalizing on this burgeoning workforce segment.

“Today, leading organizations know they must attract top talent to survive, including allowing workers to operate when and where they want,” said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. “Implementing formal policies to track and engage with remote and nomadic workers should be considered standard practice. These policies help attract the most in-demand workers while reducing potential legal, regulatory, and IT risks.”

Among the key insights from the study are:

• Digital Nomadism has evolved from niche to normal. The 2024 report shows a 4.7% increase in digital nomads from last year and a 147% growth since 2019. This indicates that digital nomadism is now the new normal for both independent workers and traditional employees.

• Structured digital nomad programs are win-win for employers and workers alike. These programs benefit talent acquisition and ensure compliance with tax, legal, and security policies.

• Digital nomads are ambassadors for work-life balance. By aligning work projects with employees’ travel plans, companies can boost productivity and employee satisfaction, fostering a dynamic company culture.

• ‘Slomading’ and ‘Tethered Nomading’ trends strengthen social connections. Forty percent of digital nomads plan to spend more time in the U.S. next year, with 51% traveling exclusively within the country. This trend, known as “slomading,” enhances social life, reduces travel stress, and improves work productivity.

• Hidden corporate digital nomads create risks. Many digital nomads work under informal agreements or without their employer’s knowledge, increasing legal and cybersecurity risks. One-third of digital nomads with traditional jobs are “hidden,” making formal policies essential.

• Millions aspire to be digital nomads. In 2024, 21 million workers expressed a desire to become digital nomads, with 45 million considering it. This shows a significant interest in the lifestyle, despite only 7% to 9% of these aspirants becoming digital nomads.

The findings highlight the urgent need for employers to adopt formal digital nomad policies to mitigate risks and leverage the growing trend of digital nomadism.