Since hybrid working has become the norm, more and more people are temporarily moving abroad. To work and experience that holiday feeling at the same time. Such a workation has a lot of advantages: you are away from home for a while, have fewer distractions and are therefore often more productive. New incentives also provide more creativity and extra motivation. However, a workation is not suitable for everyone. Wondering if it suits you? We are happy to help you on your way.
For a long time we linked a workation digital nomads: young people who traveled around the world with nothing more than a backpack and laptop and did their work from the most beautiful places. Times have changed, partly due to the rise of home and hybrid working. Nowadays, a workation is an option for many more people - provided you make good agreements with your employer. We share the pros and cons of such a 'working holiday'.
Workation: the main benefits
More productivity, less stress
Various studies show that you are more productive at work because you are much less distracted. You don't spend as much time on daily routines and social obligations, and therefore have better focus. Moreover, a workation reduces stress and the risk of burnout. An advantage for you and for your employer.
Good for creativity
During a workation you gain all kinds of impressions, you receive new stimuli and you probably meet all kinds of interesting people. This is good for creativity and will undoubtedly provide fresh ideas and a good dose of extra motivation.
Work and holiday in one
As soon as the weekend starts or you close your laptop, it's vacation. Take a dip in the pool, go to the terrace or head to the beach with a book - it's all possible.
It won't cost you vacation days
No matter how many days of leave you have, there are never enough. Good news: a workation doesn't cost you any vacation days at all. This way you can experience that wonderful holiday feeling much more often. And do you want to be there for a few days without work? Then you simply take vacation days there - during which you don't have to travel or recover from your flight, so you can fully enjoy it!
Workation: the main disadvantages
Work and private life out of balance
As nice as it sounds to work at a holiday destination, you also have to work all day long and be easily accessible during your workation. That is no different than in the Netherlands. It remains necessary to work hard on a healthy work-life balance - which may be even more difficult, because you naturally want to chase that holiday feeling as much as possible.
Less comfort
On holiday you simply have less of your own stuff than at home. It is quite possible that you will have to make do without your super-fast internet connection, good desk and ergonomic office chair.
Far away from colleagues
You – literally – distance yourself from your colleagues and your team. Because you are abroad, you miss the fun at the office, the weekly drinks or the annual company party. You will therefore have to do your best to remain involved, for example by regularly making (video) calls with colleagues.
Workation costs money
Please note that your workation costs money. Your stay, food, drinks: none of it is free - especially if your mortgage or rent in the Netherlands continues as normal. Your employer is not obliged to reimburse these costs.
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)
We'll help you get started
Are you considering working abroad for a while? Or do you want to know how to discuss this with your employer? We are happy to think along with you. Our Service Center can be reached every working day from 8.30:17.00 AM to XNUMX:XNUMX PM sc@unie.nl and 0345 851 963.
