Who wouldn’t want to work remotely from Bali or Barcelona?
Millions of people work remotely today from exotic locations all over the world.
And technology is the reason why they can.
Working remotely isn’t just relegated to coffee shops and libraries anymore.
Here’s something to keep in mind:
Thanks to recent advancements in technology, workers everywhere can ditch the traditional office setting.
Plus, the tools that allow them to do this are only getting better.
You’ll learn
- Why virtual office services are booming right now
- About the tech stack every digital nomad uses
- How cloud-based services changed the game forever
- The best communication platforms that keep everyone connected
- About smart devices allowing workers to truly work-from-anywhere
Why Virtual Office Services Are Booming Right Now
Remote workers around the globe use virtual office services.
Here’s the backstory:
Virtual office services allow businesses to operate professionally without a brick-and-mortar presence. Companies get a business address, mail services, phone answering, and virtual meeting rooms.
Statistics show that there are currently 18.1 million digital nomads in America. That number continues to grow as more people move away from the traditional 9-5 office job.
Digital nomads and location-independent professionals need a way to connect to your virtual office from anywhere in the world.
Virtual office services allow business owners and entrepreneurs to tie their businesses to a physical location without being physically located there themselves.
Another cool thing about virtual offices:
Businesses can appear to have a brick-and-mortar location without customers ever knowing they’re working with a startup instead of a Fortune 500 company.
Not only does this save money on actual office space, but it also saves money on rent, utilities, office supplies, etc.
The Tech Stack Every Digital Nomad Uses
A digital nomad relies on many forms of technology.
Let’s break it down:
If you want to work from anywhere you must have reliable access to three things. High-speed internet. Cloud-based programs. Communication software.
Without at least one of these three things, it becomes impossible to work efficiently.
Fortunately, all three technologies have advanced significantly over the last decade.
Internet speeds have gotten faster worldwide. Cloud storage is now cheap (if not free). And video conferencing actually looks good these days.
Here’s what every digital nomad tech stack includes:
- High-speed internet (Ideally 5G or fiber)
- Cloud storage and file sharing
- Project management applications
- Video conferencing services
- Virtual private networks
- Digital whiteboarding tools
These technologies allow individuals to perform their jobs from their cubicle or from a couch halfway across the world.
Cloud-Based Services Changed The Game Forever
Cloud-based computing was a game-changer for remote workers.
Can you remember life before Google Docs?
Files used to be stored on individual office computers. Sharing a document used to require email attachments. And version control was practically impossible.
Cloud-based applications solved all of these problems (and more).
Programs like Google Docs allow entire teams to work on the same document at the same time without overwriting each other’s work.
Thanks to cloud computing, a recent study shows that 88% of employers offer remote or hybrid working options.
Here are some game-changing cloud-based services and how they helped:
- Real-time collaboration on documents
- Automatic syncing of new files
- Access to browser-based software
- Cloud phone systems
- Online project management
Before cloud services, employees needed to be in the office to access company files. Now employees can access those same files whether they’re in the office or on the moon.
The Communication Platforms That Keep Everyone Connected
Communication technology has come a long way.
Don’t just take my word for it:
You wouldn’t be happy as a remote worker if you were separated from your coworkers. Not being able to communicate with your team hinders productivity.
That’s why modern communication platforms offer so much more than just phone calls and email.
Not only do these platforms allow users to chat with teammates, but they allow teams to connect through video, screen, and voice.
Communication platforms typically offer the following:
- Instant text messaging with message threading
- High-quality video conferencing
- Screen and remote desktop sharing
- Async video messages
- Integration with other work software
Team members can message each other instantly. Have face-to-face conversations. Share their screens. Record asynchronous video replies. And so much more.
And the best part? Most of these tools integrate with each other.
That means teams can send Google Doc links in Slack messages. Jump into a Google Hangouts video call right from Asana. And more.
Think of these communication platforms as your digital water cooler.
They help team members feel connected to their coworkers no matter where they’re working from.
Smart Devices Allow Workers To Truly Work-From-Anywhere
Computer hardware has also improved to support location independence.
It’s not just about software:
Computers have become lighter and more powerful. Smartphones are more-than-capable of managing a businesses communications. Tablets allow users to work flexibly between mobile and desktop environments.
Portable wifi hotspots allow users to access the internet anywhere. Noise-canceling headphones allow users to take conference calls in busy environments. And portable monitors allow users to plug their laptops into a TV-sized screen while working from home.
Here’s a list of must-have smart devices for digital nomads
- Lightweight laptops
- Portable wifi hotspots
- High-quality webcams and microphones
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Portable chargers/adapters
Just like software applications, hardware has allowed users to become mobile with their work.
Smart Home Devices Are Nice To Have
Smart home technology is another bonus for remote workers.
Voice assistants can help you keep track of your schedule. Smart displays allow you to have face-to-face video calls across the room. And connected appliances can automate boring tasks.
All of the technology we’ve talked about so far allows remote workers to take their jobs with them.
But smart devices allow your home to adapt to you wherever you decide to live and work.
The Security Layer That Makes It All Possible
When working remotely, security is important.
Let’s face it.
Public wifi is terrible (and not secure). Coworking spaces can lead to security risks. And if your laptop is stolen, someone could gain access to all of your business information.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) allow users to securely encrypt their internet connection on any network. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to all of your accounts. Remote device management allows businesses to remotely wipe stolen or lost devices.
Password managers help you generate and store unique passwords for all of your accounts. Encrypted chat allows you to message coworkers privately. And cloud backups allow users to keep their data safe if their hardware is lost or stolen.
And all of these security measures work behind the scenes.
They provide an extra layer of protection without getting in the way of your work.
Wrapping Up
Workers can live and work from anywhere thanks to technology.
Virtual office services allow businesses to operate remotely. Cloud services allow teams to collaborate on projects. Communication tools keep everyone connected. Smart devices allow workers to perform their jobs from anywhere. And security technology keeps everyone’s information safe.
Technology that allows users to work remotely continues to advance every day.
Internet speeds are only getting faster around the world. Mobile devices are more powerful than ever. Video quality and connection speeds only improve. Smart assistants are getting smarter. And virtual reality will allow coworkers to meet in virtual spaces.
The world is your office.
