Speakers’ Corner: How digital nomads can protect themselves and continue to thrive in a remote working world

Digital nomads can protect themselves and continue to thrive in a remote working world, says Corinne Webb at insurance firm Protect Your Bubble

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen plenty of us adopting remote working for the first time and thriving under the additional freedom. So, it’s no wonder 65 percent of us like the idea of a fully remote role, post-pandemic.

While the term ‘digital nomad’ isn’t new, it’s certainly something people are embracing more this year than ever, with many excited to embrace alternative destinations as their office.

However, it does pose its challenges. Arguably the biggest fears for potential nomads are the risks involved with working on the go, compared with the security and stability of an office job.

Here, Corinne Webb, Marketing Manager at Protect Your Bubble has put together some tips on how digital nomads can stay safe in a remote working world.

Tech failure

One worry for remote workers is tech failing while they’re away from the office, as they can’t rely on the IT department to provide a quick fix.

If laptops or mobile devices unexpectedly crash, it can leave workers unable to complete time-sensitive work or contact their team.

So, it’s important to have a backup plan. Although working from personal devices means true ‘freedom’ for most workers, digital nomads are advised to check for local shared workspaces when moving between cities.

Using online tools like Share My Office, remote workers have a ‘plan B’ – with the ability to access a nearby PC at short notice.

Damage control

The appeal of fully remote working is the freedom – digital nomads can combine their job with travel and fun activities.

However, working on the go presents additional risks. Whether it’s simply dropping and damaging devices while on the go, or even taking a dip in the sea with your phone in your pocket.

Firstly, digital nomads should invest in proper protection – making sure their laptops and phones are kitted out with robust, impact-proof cases.

It’s obviously recommended to leave valuable devices in the safe in your accommodation when out and about, where possible. However, locker rental services also allow nomads to securely stash valuables in local facilities while moving around – avoiding costly accidents.

Protect against pickpockets

Working on the move presents greater risks compared with clocking into a secure, monitored office each morning.

One of these risks is theft – especially having devices stolen on busy city streets or when working from shared spaces like cafés.

Make sure all devices are fitted with location tracking software such as FindMyPhone or TrackR, as this allows you to monitor stolen devices and provides the best possible chance of retrieving your valuables.

It also helps to protect yourself against pickpocketing techniques. For example, there have been reports of pickpockets posing as charity collectors as a distraction technique on city streets. So, always be on your guard when on the move.

Keep your mobile phone in zipped or buttoned pockets to add an extra layer of protection and consider attaching keys to your clothes via a chain.

Safe Travels

For those fully embracing the idea of digital nomadism, the opportunity can take them wherever they wish, all while logging on each day to complete their ‘9 to 5’.

Even travelling within the UK for work presents new risks, so it’s important all luggage is sturdy to protect against drops or falls and is secured with a padlock to warn off opportunist thieves.

Travellers should also do their research to make sure any hostels or hotels they’re heading to provide secure facilities, like personal lockers and locked bedrooms.

Taking out worldwide device cover also means you can claim against damage, loss or theft, wherever you are in the world.

However, remember to check the fine print on your insurance to see whether it’s possible to get repaired or replacement devices sent to a different country.