Report Overview: Nomading Normalizes in 2024

According to our 2024 research and report, digital nomads—people who work while traveling—are still on the move. The number of US nomads, comprising traditional employees and independent professionals, climbed by almost one million from 2023 to 2024. Now 18.1 million strong, they are a permanent fixture in the workplace.

Independents Keep Digital Nomadism Going Strong

Due to the pandemic, the digital nomad population increased significantly between 2021 and 2024, from 15.5 to 18.1 million. Predictably, the number of nomad employees decreased after the crisis passed, and many companies expected employees to return to the office. Still, they account for 56% (10.2 million) of digital nomads. Some of these have become “tethered nomads” who travel to locations near their offices so that they can be onsite when needed.

The number of independent professionals who work while traveling is responsible for the overall increase in digital nomads. From a 34% share of 16.9 million in 2022, these workers comprise 44% (7.9 million) of the 2024 total. The lifestyle continues to be attractive to independents, who appreciate the freedom to work when and where they want.

Gen Z Grows, Boomers Shrink

As Gen Z ages into the workforce, Boomers are retiring. This is reflected in the demographics of digital nomads, where Gen Z grew to 26% (from 21% in 2023) and Boomers decreased to 11% (from 15%). At 38%, Millennials still comprise the largest portion of digital nomads, followed by Gen X at 25%. As Gen Z continues to enter the workplace, this distribution will tilt toward them going forward.

As in previous years, men make up the largest share of digital nomads (59%). The median age of nomads is 37 years old, and more than half (56%) are married or live with their partner. Almost one-quarter (23%) of the nomad population report traveling with their children.

(Potential) Problems and Pleasures

Any lifestyle has its joys and its challenges, and digital nomadism is no exception. Challenges cited by study respondents are similar to, but not as pronounced as, previous years. The top challenges are:

• Financial stress (27%)
• Being away from family and friends (26%)
• Personal safety (24%)
• Time zone differences (23%)
• Travel burnout (21%)

Despite these potential problems, 91% of respondents report being highly satisfied (79%) or satisfied (12%) with their work.  The digital nomad lifestyle contributes to these benefits. In addition to being able to travel when and where they want, respondents cited:

• Better work/life balance
• Experiencing new cultures
• Meeting new people
• Flexibility and autonomy

Digital nomad parents believe their children gain from the lifestyle. In addition to realizing the joy of adventure, kids get exposure to new places, people, and cultures and can learn skills like resilience and adaptability,

Mitigating Business Risks of Digital Nomad Employees

Employees who travel while they work could be a hidden issue for their employers. With 14% of digital nomads with traditional jobs reporting that their employers do not know they are nomadic, there has been little change in this area since our last study. They may make arrangements with their immediate bosses or travel without their organization’s knowledge. Doing so can leave their company with regulatory, tax, compliance, and legal risks.

Despite these risks, few organizations have formal digital nomad policies and programs. Twenty-two percent of respondents say their company has no written digital nomad policy (their boss has permitted them to work nomadically). This means the company does not know where they are working and could unknowingly break local employment laws and regulations.

The points above are just part of the information offered in our 2024 report. Check it out for further insights into digital nomads’ composition, status, and future outlook.