In today’s fast-paced world, finding the right work-life balance has become increasingly challenging. With the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, more and more professionals are seeking alternative ways to combine work and leisure. One such emerging trend is the concept of a workation, which offers individuals the opportunity to work while enjoying a vacation-like experience. In this article, we will explore what a workation is, why it has gained popularity, and all the reasons why you should consider taking one.
1. Defining workation: blending work and vacation
People have always asked “how can I make money travelling”, and a workation is the answer! A “workation” is a new term coined by combining “work” and “vacation.” It refers to a temporary period when individuals, often remote workers or freelancers, relocate to a different location to carry out their work responsibilities while enjoying the benefits of being on holidays. This innovative approach allows professionals to break free from the monotony of their regular work environment and embrace a change of scenery that can enhance their productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.
A “workation” is a new term coined by combining “work” and “vacation.”
Assuming the work you do is something you are interested in, working from a holiday could actually be the best for you and your employer/or clients, not to mention that you can extend your annual leave even further with this arrangement.
2. The popularity of workations: embracing flexibility
The increasing popularity of workations can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to work remotely, with seamless access to emails, cloud-based tools, and collaboration platforms. This digital transformation has empowered professionals to choose their work environment, enabling them to explore new destinations without compromising their productivity.
Secondly, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work and prompted individuals to seek alternative ways to combine work and travel. As companies shifted to remote setups, employees found themselves untethered from traditional office spaces, opening up the possibility of embarking on workations as a means to rejuvenate their work-life balance. Employees are more trusted that ever to get the work done in whatever way they can without having to be physically tied to the office from 9-5.
3. Benefits of taking a workation
Taking a workation can have numerous advantages for professionals looking to optimise their work performance while rejuvenating their personal well-being. Let’s delve into some compelling reasons why you should consider incorporating a workation into your routine:
a) Increased productivity:
By immersing yourself in a new environment, free from familiar distractions, you can experience even better focus and concentration. The change of scenery can stimulate creativity, inspire new ideas, and break the monotony that often accompanies a regular work routine.
b) Improved work-life balance:
Workations offer the opportunity to blend work commitments with leisure activities seamlessly. You can structure your day to include work hours as well as time for exploring your surroundings, engaging in recreational activities, or simply relaxing. This balance promotes overall well-being and prevents burnout, resulting in increased job satisfaction and productivity.
c) Expanded cultural horizons:
Workations provide a unique opportunity to experience different cultures and immerse yourself in diverse communities. By working in a new location, you can gain a fresh perspective, broaden your horizons, and develop a deeper understanding of different lifestyles and traditions. This exposure can enhance your personal growth and enrich your professional outlook.
d) Networking and collaboration opportunities:
Workations often bring together like-minded individuals from various professional backgrounds. Engaging with a diverse community of professionals can lead to networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and potential collaborations. Building connections with individuals from different industries and backgrounds can open doors to new ideas, partnerships, and career prospects.
e) Extend your annual leave allocation:
Make the most of your annual leave (which in Australia is normally 4 weeks) by combining work and annual leave time into your trip. If you are dreaming of a few months overseas but never thought you could get the time off, a workation could be the perfect compromise.
4. Planning your workation: tips for a successful experience
To make the most of your workation, careful planning and preparation are essential. Here are some valuable tips to ensure a successful workation experience:
a) Destination selection:
Research and choose a destination that aligns with your personal preferences, work requirements, and desired experience. Consider factors such as the availability of reliable internet connectivity, suitable accommodation options, and a conducive work environment.
b) Accommodation arrangements:
Look for accommodation that provides a comfortable workspace, whether it’s a dedicated office space or a quiet corner where you can focus. Consider factors such as proximity to amenities, access to natural surroundings, and a conducive atmosphere for both work and relaxation. You might need to find a co-working space if it is not possible (or affordable) to rent accomodation with ample working space.
c) Time management:
Establish a structured routine that balances work hours and leisure activities. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time to avoid burnout and ensure you have ample opportunities to explore your surroundings and engage in recreational activities.
d) Connectivity and technology:
Ensure you have a reliable internet connection throughout your workation. Research local cafes, co-working spaces, or libraries that offer reliable Wi-Fi if your accommodation falls short in this aspect. Backup solutions like mobile hotspots or local SIM cards can provide additional connectivity options.
e) Health and well-being:
Prioritize self-care during your workation. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by incorporating regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and adequate sleep. Take breaks to rejuvenate and indulge in activities that help you relax and recharge.
f) Set clear expectations
Don’t make people wonder when (or if) you are working on your holiday. Be clear from the start about the hours you will be working, ensuring to communicate clearly about the time zones you will be working in as well.
5. What workplaces offer workations?
As workations are a modern workplace trend, but you might find that you get the opportunity to do a workation at any workplace or job that offers flexible working arrangements. There is no harm in asking your employer for this opportunity, and you might even set a new trend for employee benefits at your workplace. Be mindful that if you are working in Australia there might be a minimum number of weeks you can be legally working outside of the country.
6. Are there any downsides to a workation?
Taking a workation isn’t for everyone. If you need a complete break from work for your mental health, you might find a workation more stressful then beneficial. Make sure you set clear boundaries for yourself to ensure you can get your work done and also enjoy your holiday.
If you have dependants on holiday with you, you will need to consider what childcare arrangements are available during the times you need to work so that you have uninterrupted time to focus.
Embrace the workation lifestyle
The workation lifestyle offers a unique blend of work and leisure, enabling individuals to break free from the traditional constraints of a stationary office setup. By embracing workations, professionals can experience increased productivity, improved work-life balance, expanded cultural horizons, and networking opportunities. With careful planning and a flexible mindset, workations can be a transformative experience that revitalises both personal and professional aspects of life.
So, why not consider embarking on a workation? Pack your bags, choose your destination, and immerse yourself in the inspiring world of work and vacation combined.
If you can’t take a workation at your current job, explore remote working opportunities on Jora.