India, once considered a favorable destination for remote work and relaxation, is now encountering remote work challenges, as revealed by the latest research conducted by the cybersecurity company NordLayer. The Global Remote Work Index (GRWI) ranks India 64th, marking a significant decline of 15 positions from the previous year.
This index assesses countries based on several criteria, including cyber safety, economic safety, digital and physical infrastructure, and social safety.
Top 10 Countries for Remote Work:
1. Denmark
2. The Netherlands
3. Germany
4. Spain
5. Sweden
6. Portugal
7. Estonia
8. Lithuania
9. Ireland
10. Slovakia
India’s Remote Work Position and the Global Challenges
India’s Position:
In the GRWI, India secures the 49th spot but lags due to underperformance across all dimensions, especially in digital and physical infrastructure (77) and social safety (74). India’s e-infrastructure ranks low at 95, reflecting challenges in both the affordability (78t) and quality (70) of internet connectivity.
Regarding cyber and economic safety, India achieves a moderate performance (56 and 55, respectively). Despite being one of the most affordable destinations with the third-lowest cost of living, healthcare (93) falls short of desired standards. India maintains a reasonable standing in cyber infrastructure (13) and response capacity (19).
Regional Perspective:
When compared to neighbouring countries, India outperforms both Pakistan (93) and Nepal (89). India’s cyber infrastructure (13) surpasses Pakistan (62) and Nepal (78), contributing to its lead. Additionally, India’s tourism attractiveness (13) sets it apart, with Pakistan (18) and Nepal (22) trailing behind.
India’s most significant advantage lies in its cost of living index (3), second only to Pakistan (1). However, it’s noteworthy that English proficiency in India is relatively lower (58). Despite this, India remains more suitable for holidays than remote work.
Considerations:
Donatas Tamelis, Managing Director at NordLayer, emphasizes the enduring importance of remote work. He notes that despite recent shifts by tech companies, remote work is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in work culture. Tamelis encourages the practice of good cybersecurity habits to empower teams to maximize their potential across geographical boundaries.
The GRWI utilized four dimensions to evaluate the attractiveness of remote work, including cyber safety, economic safety, digital and physical infrastructure, and social safety. These dimensions consider aspects such as infrastructure, response capacity, legal measures, tourism appeal, English language proficiency, cost of living, healthcare, internet quality, e-infrastructure, e-government, physical infrastructure, personal rights, inclusiveness, and safety.
