The remote working lifestyle has given rise to this trend where people travel and work at the same time. Increasing flexibility of remote work and location independence is making this option more and more appealing each day. Remote workers in various sectors like software development and marketing are given the chance to get away from the 9-to-5 work schedule which is not only desirable but is now easily achievable. Smart workcationers now combine their career duties with travel adventures while working remotely from anywhere in the world. Why? To rejuvenate one’s mind and spirit while checking off their professional to-do list in style. A workcation might be just what you need to achieve that work-life balance you’ve been struggling with!
What is a Workcation?
Workcation holiday that includes work. It’s an alternative break from the office that allows you to be productive and relaxed at the same time. This is the new era of remote work.
How does relaxing on a beach with a cocktail in hand while doing your numbers or project proposal sound? This is the new workcation where ‘out of office’ actually means something!
While workcations combine work and leisure, we need to separate them from actual vacations. An actual vacation means you disconnect from work completely and fully immerse yourself in a new place, and recharge without work pressures.
What are the Benefits of Workcations?
A workcation offers numerous benefits for employees, companies, and freelancers alike. For businesses, it can lead to enhanced productivity as employees work in more relaxed and inspiring environments. Individuals, whether in traditional roles or freelancing, gain the advantage of a better work-life balance, allowing them to recharge while staying on top of their tasks. This flexibility not only boosts creativity and motivation but also reduces burnout, fostering overall well-being and long-term job satisfaction. In essence, workcations provide a win-win for both professional and personal growth.
What are the Reasons to Take Workcations?
- Try new working environments and rituals while achieving your work goals
- Increase job satisfaction through alternative work arrangements.
- Form lasting relationships with colleagues in unusual locations.
- Combine work and play to increase work-life balance and recharge your batteries.
- Network, network, network! Opportunities you never knew existed.
- Boost your inspiration and creativity by working in a new location.
- Save money by matching work or business needs with your travel lust.
- Take advantage of any slow periods at work without using your precious vacation days.
- Come back to work recharged and with a new perspective.
- Design a work-life balance that fits your unique needs.
Reasons Why You Go For Workcations!
1. More productivity: Employees who are trusted and motivated perform better.
2. More morale: The ability to combine work and play creates a culture of respect.
3. More retention: By offering alternative work arrangements, employers can retain valuable talents that could otherwise leave.
Workcations can help save money while increasing employee mental well-being, productivity and retention. It is a win-win for employee satisfaction. It’s however important to set the right guidelines so workcationing employees don’t get too distracted. It’s a way to create a work culture that rewards free time, trust and innovation.
How to plan your workcation?
There are a few things to consider when deciding to take a workcation, like if your workplace would be open to the idea. Once you have approval, you’ll also want to consider where you’re traveling and how you’ll set work boundaries while you’re away. Read on for our tips for planning a workcation that’s equal parts productive and peaceful.
1. Clear it with your manager
Before you even begin the planning process, you’ll want to make sure your workplace is open to the concept of a working vacation. You’ll probably have a good idea based on the company culture and remote work policy. You should also consider your role and whether you can perform your responsibilities fully remotely.
Once you feel confident about the idea, bring it to your manager at a high level. There’s no need to get into the details now—you can discuss those later. At your first meeting, propose the idea and explain the ins and outs of a workcation, including what they are and how taking one will benefit you and the company.
2. Decide where you’re going
Once your manager is on board with you taking a workcation, you can get to planning. There are two main factors to consider when planning your workcation: where to go and when to travel.
To decide the “when,” take a look at your calendar. Try to avoid taking your workcation any week that will be extra busy, like during your industry’s on-season or when a new initiative is launching. If your industry has slow periods, planning your trip around business seasonality might make scheduling time away easier.
You’ll also need to consider if the “where” is suitable for working remotely. For example, a spot without easy access to an internet connection wouldn’t be very suited to the working portion of your working vacation.
3. Lay out a plan with your manager and team
Once you’ve determined where you’re going and when you’ll be away, have another sitdown with your manager and team. This time, discuss the actual logistics of your workcation, including any information they’ll need to know while you’re remote.
4. Set clear boundaries and stay productive
Okay, so once you have cleared your workcation with your manager, chosen the perfect location, discussed the logistics with your team, and finally arrived. Now what?
It can be tempting to throw yourself into vacation mode—after all, you’re in a new place, and there’s plenty to see and do. But remember, you’re here to work and play. Set yourself up for success by creating (and sticking to) boundaries the same way you would when working remotely from home.
If you’re traveling with family, this might mean setting clear working and non-working hours. If you’re traveling alone, it could look like sticking to a productive morning routine to get you in the work groove. Other ways to stay productive on your workcation include:
5. Enjoy your time away
As employees—and as humans—in a modern, technology-obsessed world, we can struggle to disconnect, even when we’re supposed to be decompressing. It can be difficult to pull ourselves away from work, but there’s no shame in needing a break. Workcations are equal parts working and vacationing, so give yourself plenty of time to take advantage of everything your new location offers when you’re off the clock. Truly disconnect after work and stick to the boundaries you previously set. Your future (relaxed and refreshed) self will thank you.
Conclusion
Workcation is not meant to be a replacement for a full-blown vacation. Vacations allow you to use your precious vacation days to completely disconnect and recharge. Switching off completely helps you recharge as a whole person. You want to prevent burnout, not invite it. So in essence, workcations are just one key on a keyboard, each contributor plays its part in the perfect work composition, workcation enthusiasts can bank those well-deserved vacation days instead of using them on a working holiday.
Taking a mental health week is important for overall well-being and workcations can help with mental health by changing the scenery and reducing stress.