THE NEW FORMS OF WORK ORGANIZATION IN THE POST PANDEMIC WORLD

The rise of digital technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly transformed traditional work models, fostering a growing community of digital nomads who combine remote work with global travel. This thesis investigates the intersection of teleworking and travel, focusing on the digital nomad phenomenon and its socio-economic implications. By examining teleworking, smart working, and digital nomadism, the research aims to fill gaps in existing literature, particularly regarding the evolving definitions and dynamics of remote work. The study is structured around three interrelated papers. The first provides a comprehensive literature review on teleworking, analyzing its advantages, challenges, and barriers. The second paper offers empirical research on the socio-demographic and work-related characteristics of digital nomads, presenting correlations between their travel behaviors and job performance. The third paper explores the role of digital nomad agencies, examining their services and the impact they have on facilitating remote work and travel. The thesis makes several key theoretical contributions, including the synthesis of literature from management, HR, innovation, and travel studies. It introduces the concept of the "digital nomad experience" and offers a comprehensive profile of digital nomads, categorizing them based on travel frequency and job characteristics. Additionally, the research applies and extends intermediation theory to the digital nomad context, analyzing how agencies provide essential services such as risk assessment, travel support, and community building. Managerial implications of the research highlight the importance of developing new HR practices and infrastructure to support remote workers. Furthermore, businesses targeting digital nomads can benefit from tailoring their services to meet the preferences of this group, particularly regarding co-working spaces and accommodations. While the research presents valuable insights, it acknowledges limitations, such as limited empirical data and evolving definitions of remote work. Future research avenues include longitudinal studies on the long-term effects of digital nomadism, investigations into the socio-economic impacts of digital nomads on local communities, and the exploration of emerging technologies like AI in shaping remote work. By addressing these aspects, the thesis offers a multifaceted understanding of digital nomadism and provides a foundation for future research in this rapidly evolving field.