Workation: When Work and Vacation Collide
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Workation is the latest in a long line of terms you may have heard but may not fully comprehend. Who gets them, and why would they do it?
So, what exactly is a workation?
A workation, sometimes known as a 'workoliday' or 'woliday,' is exactly what it sounds like. While on vacation, you can work. It combines both business and pleasure. Sending emails while sunbathing. Hitting targets while relaxing on the beach, wherever you are in the world.
According to HR Technologist: "A workation is a vacation that allows you to work remotely while integrating elements of leisure that let you unwind, relax and be more productive."
Remote work and digital nomads
Another word you may have heard is "digital nomad." When we talk about digital nomads, we usually mean freelancers who travel the world without needing an office. The purest type of remote working, all they need to work is their equipment, a laptop, and an internet connection. It is extremely popular among designers and software developers.
A workation is, in some ways, a means to try out the remote work lifestyle without leaving your existing employer.
Why are workations so popular?
With 47% of individuals now able to work remotely full-time after the pandemic, we now see some people are just as (if not more) productive outside of the office.
Communication and collaboration tools exist in a wide variety. MS Teams, Slack, Basecamp, Asana, Zoom, and Whereby are all examples of collaboration tools. Almost anyone can work from virtually any location.
Tech behemoths such as Facebook and Twitter declare they don't care where work gets done, as long as it gets done. Furthermore, times have changed, as have attitudes. People are finally accepting that the 9-5 office grind isn't for everyone.
Who is entitled to a workation?
A workation can be taken by anyone. However, it is best suited if you can work remotely without it negatively affecting your job. White-collar jobs are more common in this category because one can do most office work anywhere.
Workations are clearly unsuitable for hospitality, retail, or blue-collar professions.
It is also suitable for those who work in creative professions, especially those who rely on a change of environment, new experiences, and motivation to produce their best work.
Remote work vs Workation
In terms of practicality, there aren't many differences between them. However, remote work is usually a long-term agreement, and most remote workers work from home. In theory, a workation is less of a commitment than a full-time remote position because they are intended to be temporary excursions rather than new lifestyles.
An extra week at the end of your family vacation where you switch to working while your family stays at the beach - is not a terrible approach to make the most of the summer vacation.
Persuading a boss that it's practical may be difficult, but with the significant switch to remote working via COVID, perhaps your boss will be more open to the concept. You'll need to demonstrate your ability to work away from the office while being productive.
Advantages of a workation
Workations, believe it or not, may be a win-win situation for everyone.
They are perfect if you give unlimited vacation days. Instead of vanishing for weeks on end, they may take a workation. It's a terrific method to strike a balance between absence and productivity, keeping the gears turning while keeping folks smiling.
The workation can be an excellent excuse to get out on the deck or take a little walk. It reminded us that it is not usual to be tethered to your desk all day. Workations also provide you more time to travel than a traditional vacation, allowing you to experience the world while earning money. What could be better?
Disadvantages of a workation
They are not for everyone. Some people argue that combining business and leisure is counterproductive or oxymoronic.
Workations are described as "the saddest sign of our times" by Mic.com, which cites the loss of work-life balance and the ridiculousness of paying money to vacation somewhere exotic only to waste it by working all day.
To some extent, this is correct. You have expenses to consider, such as travel, lodging, food, and other living expenses. And, with work in the way, you have to wonder: "will I have time to enjoy myself?"
There's also the risk of blurring the distinction between work and play. Can you truly appreciate the sun-drenched panoramas of Redang Island if your phone is constantly pinging with Slack messages that you can't ignore?
A workation is a bizarre hybrid of vacation, remote work, and sabbaticals. If you have the option, give it some thought before taking off and always plan in advance.