What Is a Workation? Rethinking Business Travel for Your Employees
In light of the travel boom following the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers are reevaluating the relationship between work and travel. With remote work on the rise, employees have greater flexibility to work when and where they like. This has prompted many to blur the lines between work and pleasure travel and led to the rise of the “workation.” Learn more about this exciting trend and how it might help you rethink your corporate travel program.
What Is a Workation?
The term joins the words “work” and “vacation,” referring to a trip that combines productivity with pleasure. For example, an employee that can work remotely may book a trip to the beach, reserving certain days for work, interspersed with free days for vacation. This flexible arrangement allows an employee to maximize their time at the destination of their choice while also fulfilling work obligations.
Why Did the Workation Become Popular?
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many jobs became partially or fully remote. Since employees had greater flexibility and fewer days to commute, many started moving out of expensive cities. As travel restrictions and requirements began to ease, the desire to travel merged with greater freedom to do so. And just like that, the workation was born!
What Are the Different Kinds of Workations?
Workations might entail a long weekend or maybe a permanent arrangement for some employees. The length of the trip depends entirely on the type of work and each company’s specific policies. Fully remote employees can feasibly reside anywhere, as long as they can fulfill their work obligations in a timely fashion.
More typical are short- to medium-term workations. Some jobs may be remote for weeks at a time but require in-office work for certain periods. Others may allow employees to stay remote for week-long periods but generally require in-person work. Less time away may also be necessary for companies that depend on employees residing in the same time zone. While there are many possible configurations, companies are rethinking the necessity for in-person work and offering greater flexibility.
What Are the Advantages of a Workation?
A remote arrangement of this kind, either long or short, can be mutually advantageous for both employers and employees. The benefit for employees is clear; it allows greater freedom to travel and experience the world while maintaining a career. Some might even find that working in a new location stimulates them and leads to greater productivity while on the job.
For employers, embracing this new trend can lead to greater employee satisfaction without detriment to productivity. In fact, potential employees are increasingly searching for jobs that offer greater flexibility and the potential for workations, so providing the option will make your company more desirable to prospective hires. Remote arrangements can also lessen the impact of time off, allowing employees to stay connected while away should their input be needed at work.
Rethink Your Travel Program With a Workation Option
Given the many benefits of a workation, you might want to integrate this concept into your company’s travel program. Check out our services at Rocketrip and learn how we empower both employers and employees in corporate travel.
