How to Take a Successful “Workcation”

The COVID-19 pandemic helped many employers and employees recognize the benefits of hybrid and remote work. While most jobs require at least some days in the office or on location, many allow for at least a few days for the employee to work from home. This offers a unique opportunity to go on vacation and still complete your work.

Since 2020, "workcations" have quickly become an international trend. Here, we've outlined the pros and cons of workcations and some tips on how to have a successful one. 

What Is a Workcation?

A "workcation" allows employees to travel while working remotely, combining the leisure of vacations with the responsibilities of your job. This way, you can do everything you need for work and immediately dive into your vacation activities. There's no need to drive home, wait for the weekend, or miss out on any fun. 

People may have different definitions of a workcation. Some people may use their workcation to travel to multiple destinations, exploring a new hotel to work from each day. Others may spend their entire workcation from one location, such as at a beach house, resort, or family member's home.

Pros and Cons of a Workcation

Pros

Workcations are a great way to get away and revitalize your day-to-day operations, but the benefits don't end there. Below are some of the pros of taking a workcation:

• You get to spend more time with friends and family if they're on workcation with you.
• You can go on vacation without using your PTO or taking unpaid time off.
• You get to travel to places you wouldn't be able to visit otherwise due to your work schedule.
• You get to complete your work somewhere else, which can feel relieving and exciting. 
• You may feel more motivated to work during and after your trip.
• You get to turn on loud music, eat smelly food, and do other things that may be "too distracting" in an office.

Cons

While these benefits are great to have, workcations may also negatively impact your work or vacation. Some of the cons of taking a workcation include:

• You may be more easily distracted while working.
• Not having your office setup may decrease your productivity.
• You won't be able to spend as much time enjoying your vacation, which may not make it worth the money.
• You may be unable to complete your work if your internet connection doesn't meet your needs.

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How to Prepare for a Workcation

As with a typical vacation, you need to plan out your workcation. Proper planning can help ensure you make the most of your time out of the office without compromising your work. 

Get Approval

When planning your workcation, the first step is to see if it's even an option for you. Get approval from your employer by reaching out to your supervisor or HR representative. Highlight why you want to go on this workcation and how you believe it will positively impact your work performance. 

For example, if you usually work in an office, focus on how entering a new environment will help reinvigorate you, or mention industry-related opportunities in the cities you plan to visit. If your job is already remote or hybrid, focus on your proven ability to get work done and your dependable work ethic.

Plan the Details

Next, you'll need to plan the details of your trip. For example, when finding a place to stay, ensure the WiFi and electricity are reliable enough for you to fulfill your job duties without mishaps. Depending on your job, you'll also need to ensure you'll have access to a quiet, well-lit room for video conferences and meetings.

If you're staying with someone else, communicate early on how much time and how many days you will need to spend working. Constantly being invited to stop your work to do something exciting can be distracting, hurt productivity, and keep your employer from approving your next trip.

Hold Yourself Accountable

Finally, before you leave for your workcation, ensure you have a way to keep yourself dependable. Workcations demand a stable balance between work and leisure, but it can be easy to forget specific job responsibilities amid distractions. 

Fortunately, no one knows your work ethic as you do. Create a daily to-do list, carve out specific work hours, or take other steps that you know will work for you to hold yourself accountable. This way, when you finish your work each day, you can relax without worrying about not doing your job properly.

Need Help Planning Your Work Vacation?

Workcations are just one of many modern innovations that seek to improve how we approach employment. Today, campaigns for shorter work weeks, more hybrid work, and better pay are at an all-time high. At iHire, we strive to improve how these topics are viewed by both employers and employees by encouraging conversation. 

We can help you strategize the best ways to discuss workcations, hybrid work, and more with your employer. View our Workplace Tips resource center to get started.