Lisa wants to carry out her work from Spain for the next 3 months and contacted our Service Center.
Since hybrid working has become the norm, more and more people are choosing to work from abroad temporarily. A workation combines work with a touch of vacation and offers plenty of advantages: you are away from your daily environment for a while, you often have more focus, and the new stimuli provide a good dose of creativity. However, a workation is not suitable for everyone. Are you unsure whether it is something for you? We list the pros and cons.
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What is a workation?
In the past, workations were mainly associated with digital nomads: people who traveled the world with a laptop and a backpack. Nowadays, a workation is accessible to many more people, partly thanks to the rise of home and hybrid working. A 'working holiday' is now an option for everyone with a laptop and a flexible employer. However, it is important to make good agreements in advance.
The benefits of a workation
- More productivity, less stress
Research shows that you are often more productive on workation. You have less distraction from daily obligations and routines, which allows you to focus better. In addition, a workation helps to reduce stress and reduce the risk of burnout. - Good for creativity
New surroundings, fresh impressions and encounters with other people stimulate your creativity. This can lead to new ideas and extra motivation. - Holiday feeling without leave
After work, you are immediately in vacation mode: go for a swim, read a book on the beach or enjoy a drink on a terrace. And the best part? A workation does not cost you vacation days. Do you still want a few days off during your workaction? Then you can take your leave for that. - More flexibility
Because you don't have to travel on your vacation days, you can make the most of them. So you enjoy your free time to the fullest.
The disadvantages of a workation
- Work-life balance at stake
Working in a holiday destination can be challenging. Although it sounds appealing, during a workation you still have to be easily accessible and work full days. It can be difficult to maintain a work-life balance, as the holiday feeling is constantly beckoning. - Less comfort
A good workplace is not always guaranteed. Think of an unstable internet connection, an uncomfortable desk or an office chair that is not ergonomic. This can make a workation less pleasant than working from home or the office. - Distance from colleagues
Because you are literally further away from your team and office, you miss the daily interaction, the Friday afternoon drinks or other social moments. You can also miss information that is only shared in the office. It is important to stay involved, for example by regularly (video) calling colleagues. - Additional costs
A workation is not free. You have to take into account costs for accommodation, food and drinks, while your fixed costs in the Netherlands, such as rent or mortgage, also continue. Your employer is not obliged to reimburse these costs.
Is a workation something for you?
Are you thinking about working abroad for a while? First, make a good assessment: do the advantages fit your situation and can you absorb the disadvantages? Discuss your plans with your employer and make clear written agreements about working hours, accessibility and possible expenses.
Learn more!
Want to know more about remote working? Our experts have selected a number of interesting links for you.
- Working from home from abroad (source: Indeed)
- As an employer, do you have to allow a 'workation'? (source: Russell Advocaten)
- Hybrid working: clarity is decisive (source: Chamber of Commerce)
Want to know more?
Are you considering working abroad for a while? Or do you want to know how to start a conversation about this with your employer? We are happy to think along with you. Our Service Center can be reached every working day from 8:30 to 17:00 via sc@unie.nl and 0345 851 963.
