In the vast majority of office jobs in the Netherlands, it is perfectly normal that not everyone works on the shop floor. Working from home has been commonplace since corona. But if you don't go to the office anyway, why not work in a tropical paradise? More and more people are going on workation: working at a holiday destination. During the day you're behind your laptop, but as soon as your working day or week is over, you're on vacation. We help you find out if that's something for you.
Why you should go with workation
Working productively, but with a holiday feeling
Holidays are so nice partly because you can leave those daily routines at home. No household and shopping for a while. During a workation this can provide good focus, so that the hours in which you work are more effective than at home. Moreover: new incentives often provide fresh ideas and extra motivation. And do you have no concentration left for a while? Why don't you take a dip in the pool, read a book on the beach or take a detour to recharge?
It won't cost you vacation days
No matter how many days off you have, there are hardly ever enough. Good news: a workation does not cost you any vacation days at all. This way you can experience that wonderful holiday feeling much more often. And do you still want to be there for a few days without work? Then you just take vacation days there - in which you don't have to travel or catch up on the flight, so you can fully enjoy!
Not just for digital nomads
For a long time, the workation was reserved for digital nomads: young people who traveled the world with nothing more than a backpack and laptop and did their work from the most beautiful places. Those times have changed. The rise of home and hybrid working makes it possible for many more people to go on workation. Keep in mind that you must make clear agreements with your employer about your workplace and accessibility.
Why a workation might be less suitable for you
Disturbed work-life balance
As nice as it sounds to work at a holiday destination: even during your workation you just have to work full days and be easily accessible. That is no different than in the Netherlands. So it remains necessary to work hard on a healthy work-life balance – which is perhaps even more difficult, because you naturally like to chase the holiday feeling as much as possible.
Not all the comforts of home
On vacation you simply have less of your own stuff than at home. For example, it is possible that you have to do without your super-fast internet connection, good desk, ergonomic office chair and silence from home.
Workation costs money
In addition, keep in mind that your workation costs money. Your accommodation, food, drink: it's not all for free – especially if your mortgage or rent in the Netherlands also continues. Your employer is not obliged to reimburse these costs.
More information
Do you also want to workation or sparring about the advantages and disadvantages of it in your situation? Or would you like to receive advice to discuss your workation wish with your employer? Please feel free to contact us. Our Service Center is available every working day from 8.30 am to 17.00 pm via sc@unie.nl en (0345) 851 963.
