This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on 6th Oct 2022.

Travelling while working remotely can be challenging at times. Being able to work comfortably abroad means that not only your employer has equipped you with the right tools, but also that the destination you are visiting is ready to host remote workers. How can hospitality providers and local operators make sure they have suitable workspaces for this new and significant market? Read on to learn how >>>>

Employers and employees, take note: remote work is here to stay. While some leaders continue to thumb their nose at global wake-up calls such as the great resignation, data shows that remote work is not going anywhere, and it will actually increase in 2023. 

For companies, it represents a turning point; the chance to build a thriving remote business with improved technology processes, tools and a renewed look at work-life balance and soft skills. For employees, the ability to work remotely involves a brand new relationship with personal and family time, schedule flexibility and travel opportunities. 

Varying remote work workspace requirements - Some people can travel for short periods and work remotely using their smartphones or other handheld devices. Other people need a desktop computer, workspace, a laptop, a secondary screen and a quiet place for conference calls. That's why hospitality and lodging  providers should learn about the different remote work profiles and adjust their workspaces accordingly.

Let’s take a look at two couples who have travelled the world while working remotely, with totally different workspace needs. Their considerations will hopefully inspire you to rethink your offer. 

Two couples with very different workspace needs - The first couple is Pawel Adrjan, who works for Indeed, and his husband, Javier Muñoz-Basols, a university lecturer. Their remote work arrangements are flexible as Javi concentrates his research efforts during university breaks or summer, so he can travel while researching. Likewise, if Pawel doesn't have specific in-person events he needs to attend or speak at, he can plan a trip anywhere, with his employer's blessing. 

In case you do not recall, we have met Pawel and Javi before (read our PRIDE in combining travel and remote work as an LGBTQ+ couple blog post). They both work remotely when travelling and often find that their lodgings do NOT have two desks and two chairs to accommodate them (even in different locations in the whole building). This is something they almost always have to pre-requisite or specify. When it comes to coworking spaces, things simplify a bit. Their work is mostly document-based, with a few conference calls and some virtual events. As a consequence, their workspace requirements are average: a good internet connection, a quiet spot where they can have their calls, a comfortable chair and a desk.

The story is very different for our second couple: Stella González and her husband Flavio Lucas, both remote workers and travellers since 2018. Stella had been an English teacher for three years. Now, she works as a Research and Content Creator and offers virtual services via her brand Stella Venturosa. Flavio Andrés is a Design and Project Manager at Le-Huu Partners architecture firm. 

When she was an English teacher delivering classes virtually, Stella needed a quiet place with a lot of lighting and space for all her teaching materials and her instruction props. Now, as a Virtual Assistant, her needs are much simpler in terms of space requirements. Flavio Andrés needs a big desk for all his architecture equipment and a higher-than-average internet speed to share big architecture documents. 

Understanding workspace needs by worker profiles - Let’s take a closer look at their specific workspace needs, in the table below. Focusing in on all the factors to consider, from internet connection and ergonomics, plus the small yet, really important details of plug connections and adequate lighting.

Take a few moments to consider these details fully and ask yourself, does your location consider and cater to all of these needs?

In closing - It is estimated that there are more than 15 million people around the world living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a further indicator, Airbnb data shows that long-term stays (28+ days) are their fastest-growing category. 

It is in fact easier than ever to be a digital nomad: even procedures that used to be very complicated, such as finding a suitable travel health insurance, are now at everybody’s hand thanks to companies providing specific services and products for digital nomads, like SafetyWing.

This market is only destined to grow, and destinations, hospitality providers and local operators can benefit greatly from the arrival of remote workers. Consider our couples' challenges if you want to meet the needs of this new market. Think about listening to your visitors' needs and offering a stable internet connection, a suitable workspace design, and sharing success stories about your remote workers' experiences. Offering these services will help potential visitors trust and recommend your services!

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This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on 6th Oct 2022.