Barbados among best places for remote work

Barbados has been ranked in the top ten “best beach destinations” for remote working trips in 2022.

According to a study by global HR and payroll experts Remote, the island is ranked ninth out of 19 destinations, beating out Aruba; Antigua and Barbuda; Cancun, Mexico; Indonesia; Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica; Florianopolis, Brazil; the Cayman Islands; Australia; South Africa; and Chile.

The top-ranked destination was Montserrat, followed by Anguilla, Croatia, Portugal, Morocco, Bermuda, Goa in India, and Mauritius.

“Bridgetown is also one of just five destinations on our list that offers remote workers a six-month stay with no visa requirements. This generous timeframe means remote workers can take their time and really enjoy everything this beautiful island has to offer,” said officials of the survey.

While Barbados is said to have the third fastest Internet speed at 60.25 mbps, behind Bermuda (102.77 mbps) and Aruba (61.55), it is listed as the third most expensive destination for its cost of living, at an average of £832.96 (BDS$2 022.95).

Bermuda is listed as the most expensive with an average cost of living of £1 527.95 (BDS$3 710.83), followed by the Cayman Islands at £1 038.68 (BDS$2 522.57). Cost of living data was not available for Montserrat and Anguilla.

According to research by Remote, Google searches for the terms “remote jobs” and “remote recruitment” have increased by 72 per cent and 133 per cent, respectively in the past 12 months.

“With many countries around the world relaxing their travel restrictions, remote workers now can relocate to whatever destination their heart desires, requiring little more than their passport, a laptop, and a stable Internet connection,” the report said.

The survey also listed the average cost of rent, crime rate, the average sunrise hours per day, and entertainment options.

According to Remote officials, “beyond simply permitting your workforce to take work trips, employers can provide additional assistance with arranging accommodation, co-working spaces, and WiFi in the destinations they are relocating to”.

“This promotes a better work-life balance for employees. The flexibility to work remotely from anywhere supports job satisfaction and mental wellbeing which, in turn, can reduce the likelihood of stress and burnout, increase productivity, and improve employee retention,” they added.