We have been working remotely more and more in recent years. This can be at home, but also on holiday: it is called a ‘workation’. But how well does it work?
What is a workation?
A workation is a combination of the word ‘work’ and ‘vacation’. You guessed it: you work while you are on holiday. Since the corona pandemic, employers and organizations have increasingly had to deal with remote working, where employees can work independently of time and place. This way you can normally work in the office in Amsterdam, but take a break in Willemstad on Curaçao. Organizations notice that there are many benefits to this, both for the employer and for the employee.
Advantages
Combining holidays and work has many benefits for both parties. We have listed them:
Benefits for the employer
- It reduces absenteeism due to stress or burnouts, among other things.
- There is more creativity and innovation in the workplace due to the new insights that employees gain from different environments and experiences.
- It increases competitiveness in a competitive labor market.
- Productivity increases significantly.
- It ensures greater employee loyalty.
Benefits for the employee
- It contributes to stress reduction and helps against burnouts.
- Works for a greater balance between work and private life.
- It increases the focus on the work.
- Productivity increases significantly.
Cons
Such a workation sounds like music to your ears, right? Often yes, but it can also turn out differently. Both employers and employees can experience negative aspects:
Disadvantages for the employer
- Significant investments are needed for new working methods for teams, managers and work processes.
- It is difficult to build a collegial bond with colleagues spread across the world. It is difficult to create a sense of togetherness.
- A greater degree of (data) security is needed.
Disadvantages for the employee
- The line between work and leisure is becoming more blurred.
- The workload is increasing.
- Contact between colleagues can be missed at a company that operates from all over the world.
- It often entails additional costs or higher costs for the employee.
Workation or not?
So, will it be a workation or not? The most important thing to remember is that as an employer you invest in the well-being of your employees in an innovative way. As employees, you have higher productivity and a greater sense of loyalty to the company. You will both have to make clear agreements about the work in different time zones and the communication thereof. If everything goes well, you can enjoy a wonderful holiday!
