Progressive rules needed for flexible employment

Editor's note: How can China build a favorable environment for digital nomads, enabling them to contribute to social and economic development? Zhao Zhong, dean of the School of Labor and Human Resources at Renmin University of China, spoke to Zhejiang Daily on these issues. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

As a new format of work, digital nomads have enlarged the scope of employment in the digital age. These talented workers are not bound by the place of work and can move freely while working. Flexibility at work allows individuals to align jobs with their personal interests and expertise. This way, they achieve self-fulfillment while balancing work and life, which is an essential dimension of "high-quality employment".

Becoming a digital nomad requires creativity, ideas and internet skills, as well as a commitment to continuous learning to stay competitive. They usually provide diversified and customized products and services, which are particularly useful for industries where rich cultural exposure enhances the quality of the products.

This unique pool of talent can have a positive spillover effect on regional development and rural vitalization. With relatively higher income levels and a strong demand for experiences, they boost local tourism, and the hospitality and sports sectors. Many digital nomads are drawn to counties and rural areas with rich cultural or ecological resources and a lower cost of living. Their ideas, capital and technology inject new vitality into local industries and businesses.

Nonetheless, there are many challenges that need to be overcome. Ambiguities in work contracts often mean these workers don't enjoy full labor rights and social security. Many digital nomads shoulder the full burden of pension and medical insurance themselves, but are not eligible for unemployment and workplace injury insurance. Behind the freedom of remote working and potential for a high income lie demands for resilience, adaptability and strong professional skills. Frequent job changes, rapid technological shifts and income instability are the common risks that this form of employment faces.

In some cases, digital nomads also face identity crises. Constantly moving from one place to another, they may find it difficult to establish lasting social connections, leading to feelings of alienation, loneliness and anxiety.

A supportive ecosystem with legal and regulatory frameworks is required to protect the rights of flexible workers. Governments need to establish progressive labor and social security systems that are suited to flexible employment. There should be clearer standards for labor contracts, safeguards against "digital overwork" and portable social insurance schemes.

The physical ecosystem should also be encouraging. To attract digital nomads, small cities, counties and villages should create livable and workable environments. They should improve the transportation, telecommunications and internet infrastructure to allow digital nomads to work with ease. More inclusive attitudes toward new industries and business models can foster integration with local economies, while also offering space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Integration of these nomads into local communities should be supported by improving housing, healthcare and education services, while encouraging mutual understanding between newcomers and earlier residents.

Digital nomad communities can be a bridge between the online and offline worlds. Building more online communities can provide platforms for information sharing, skills training, cultural exchange and emotional support, helping alleviate isolation and fostering solidarity among people with similar interests and lifestyles. By improving governance frameworks and offering services such as project incubation, skills training and public support, digital nomads can grow in tandem with local communities, fueling both personal development and regional prosperity.