This company adjusts policies so employees can be “digital nomads”

During the past two years, the rise of new work norms including remote work has allowed the digital nomad lifestyle to thrive. Online lodging marketplace Airbnb has adjusted its company policies to be in the frontline of advocating the nomadic work culture. 

The firm, founded by Brian Chesky, Nathan Blecharczyk, and Joe Gebbia, is implementing new policies that allow staff to work remotely as much as they like, in any location across the United States (US), without a pay cut.

Blecharczyk explained that this move is mostly about retaining their existing talents and attracting new ones. 

In an interview with Quartz, Blecharczyk predicted that in this current talent war, “all these companies that are offering a hybrid solution are going to increasingly find that hard to sustain… Because their employees are going to have other options elsewhere.”

Remote work movement

Many of the firm’s executives themselves are embracing the remote work movement. In fact, Chesky said that he would be working remotely and effectively “living on Airbnb.” 

For its customers, the rental firm also introduced new features related to remote working. One of these is called “Split Stays” where long-term travelers could find a pair of homes that can accommodate the duration of their trip.

For those who are looking for unique rentals, Airbnb also introduced its “categories” search feature where users can look into potential destinations based on the experience that they want — whether it be historic homes, places with fancy kitchens, or cabins that are close to Mother Nature.

Blecharczyk stated, “In a world where you have more frequent opportunities to travel, you’re not getting on an airplane every single time; you’re going to get in your car and go somewhere nearby.” 

Several companies across the world are already feeling the tensions of remote work. While corporation giants — such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft — are mandating a hybrid work model, most employees are planning to bail out to remain working from home.

With remote work changing how businesses operate, plus the talent and skills gap in the market, perhaps it is now time for employers to pause and listen to what their employees need. 

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