Take a workation

What is a Workation?

The rise of hybrid and remote working has brought about the 'workation', which refers to working remotely from a holiday destination, allowing professionals to enjoy a change of scenery without using up all their annual leave. Employees taking a workation are then able to blend work and vacation, enabling them to perform their professional responsibilities while being in a different location from their usual home or office setup. Whether it’s soaking up the sun by the coast or immersing yourself in a vibrant new city, a workation offers the chance to travel without the usual time-off restrictions. By the time Friday arrives, you can log off and already be in the perfect spot for a weekend of exploration.

With annual leave up 19% and searches for burnout up 24%, research is underway to explore how taking a workation might help reduce burnout and improve employee wellbeing.  

Key Benefits of Workations 

The team at Instant Offices has explored the workation and its impact on wellbeing and burnout.

• Enhanced Work-Life Balance: workations provide a refreshing change of environment, which can boost motivation and reduce burnout.

• Increased Productivity: a new setting can inspire creativity and help workers stay engaged. Some people find they work more efficiently when away from daily office distractions.

• More Travel Opportunities: with a flexible schedule, remote workers can experience new destinations without waiting for official time off. This will not only help you feel less restricted by your 9-5 but it will also help alleviate burnout and improve wellbeing when employees feel they have the flexibility to live their life around their job.

• Cost-Effective Holidays: by combining work with leisure, professionals can extend their trips without needing to take unpaid leave.

In a place like Hong Kong, where employees experience high levels of burnout, a workation could be the perfect solution. Allowing employees to recharge in a new setting while staying engaged in their work. By embracing this flexibility, businesses can promote well-being, boost morale, and ultimately enhance productivity.

Key workation risks & how to mitigate

• Work Distractions: staying in a holiday setting might make it harder to focus, especially with tempting activities nearby. On a workation it’s important to try and stick to a routine and maximise your productivity during working hours so that you can log off and enjoy your evening without any added stress.

• Connectivity Issues: reliable internet is essential for remote work, and some locations may not offer stable connections. When planning a workation, make sure to research and plan for Wi-Fi so that you don’t have to worry about a stable connection.

• Employer Expectations: some companies may not support Workations, requiring employees to remain in specific locations for tax or security reasons. If you’re planning a workation, always check that you are within your tax limit for working abroad.

From an HR perspective, trusting your employees is key to fostering a productive and motivated workforce. If you trust them to work from home, you might also consider allowing them a workation. Giving employees the freedom to choose their work environment demonstrates confidence in their ability to meet deadlines and maintain performance, regardless of location.