While a majority of employers have recalled their employees back into the office over the last few months – ending a nearly two-year work-from-home – ecosystem, a large majority of remote workers are still shaping the future of work and work-life balance through the introduction of new technology.
Statistics show that between 2019 and 2022 the number of digital nomad workers in the United States grew from 7.2 million to more than 16 million, representing a 130% increase.
The surge in remote and work-from-home employees came after pandemic-related restrictions, and health concerns left employers strategizing over the future potential of the modern workplace environment.
Now, with restrictions eased, and much of the COVID worries in the rearview, those employees enjoying the benefits of remote work life are finding it more convenient to travel and work at the same time.
With a surge in technological innovation over the last couple of years, digital nomads now have a plethora of ingenious tools at their disposal. The idea of having a better work-life balance, schedule flexibility, and more autonomy has seen a growing percentage – 64% of employees – making this a vital request from their employers or when they’re looking for a new job according to a 2022 poll by Gallup.
The Must-Have Digital Nomad Apps
Better work-life balance and being able to work from nearly anywhere in the world means that digital nomads will need to have the best possible apps to help them balance tight working schedules and budgets while having to constantly move around.
Citizen Remote
Perhaps one of the few digital nomad apps out there that helps to keep everything organized in one place. The app has been designed to keep important documents and information secure in one place, and users can plan their itineraries using the Journey feature on the app. Additionally, the app doubles as a communication platform through which users can link up with other digital nomads in their area.
WorkFrom
Not all cities are designed for digital nomads, and often the majority of them will work in cafes, restaurants, and bars. WorkForm helps remote workers with personal cafe suggestions that are remote-working-friendly. The app allows users to find the best places to work within their area, link up with other nomads, and become part of a virtual cafe community from basically anywhere in the world.
Trail Wallet
Keeping score on finances while working and traveling can be a tedious task, especially when there are conversations involved. Trail Wallet lets users keep track of their expenses, giving them a space where they can set up a budget and keep track of their spending habits. Trail Wallet is a straightforward mobile application that helps digital nomads take better control of their money while abroad.
Revolut
Just like with PayPal and Wise, Revolut gives users the ability to make money transfers, do payments, and shop online while overseas. The app was designed with the digital nomad in mind, giving them the tools they need to survive in a foreign country. Additionally, Revolut gives users access to buy and sell cryptocurrency, sell stocks and even have a savings account.
LastPass
LastPass is a free browser extension and app that helps users store their passwords all in one place. As remote workers will know, keeping tabs on all the different passwords required for the number of apps and desktop programs can be a daunting challenge. The app allows users to instantaneously access their passwords and create hard-to-crack passwords for other applications.
ExpressVPN
Not all websites are accessible in all countries around the world, and in some places, one might find it harder to access specific information if you don’t have a VPN. The ExpressVPN app offers more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
With ExpressVPN it’s possible to have five accounts on one profile, across several devices. Using a VPN can help you access material and resources that may be blocked in the country you’re traveling to, something a lot of digital nomads don’t think about before leaving.
Every Time Zone
The name says it all, Every Time Zone makes it easier for digital nomads to track their time across multiple time zones. This is specifically important for those workers that have meetings and deadlines to meet but are not sure about the right time, as keeping track of multiple time zones can be a complicated endeavor.
Trello
Nearly every remote worker has worked with some sort of team or collaboration program in the last few years, and Trello is perhaps one of the more suitable solutions for remote teams and busy digital nomads.
The program, which is also now an app, can help users create lists, and project cards that can be organized according to their priority. Different members can share the same board or can collaborate on one board while having their personal platforms to work on as well.
MeetUp
Finding oneself in a new city and town every now and again can be lonely, so instead of making use of dating apps to meet new people, digital nomads can now use MeetUp. The app was designed to link like-minded professionals, and match you with suggested friends based on interests and activities.
Tripit
Keep all the important booking and travel information in one place with Tripit, an easy-to-use application for travel planning and organization. The app is similar to a digital wallet such as on Apple devices and can store electronic copies of important information such as visas, tickets, and passports.
The best feature is that the app works even without the internet so when you’re stuck and require important documentation, you can access it offline too.
Finishing Off
There are so many more exciting apps out there that help to make the digital nomad lifestyle more seamless and convenient. While it’s not to say that every app will suit every person, it’s best to play around with one or two of the best ones and see what will suit your lifestyle the best.
Published First on ValueWalk. Read Here.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Coworking Bansko; Pexels; Thank you!
