What we know about workation (that you should know too): 3 hidden benefits

While remote work has perks that can ease the strain of work, such as eliminating the commute, it brings its own stresses and can lead to burnout. A common problem is the inability of remote employees to completely switch off from work. Working remotely leads to employees being way too plugged into work, as they worry about their job security and skip vacations to become work martyrs. Most of the stress and anxiety employees experience is caused by an imbalance between work life and private life (that’s what happens when you bring work to your bedroom). It’s also true that many people refuse to take a break, as they don’t have money for or anywhere to go on vacation.

Many people were gutted financially due to the pandemic, as they lost their jobs or were overwhelmed with work as their colleagues were laid off. Therefore, taking an unpaid vacation (another financial hit) or a break without working still seems like a daunting idea.

That’s where a workation comes in! A workation combines work and vacation and can be a long weekend or last for several weeks. For HR leaders who want to encourage their employees to spend some time relaxing on the beach without forcing them to take time off from work, the workation trend is perfectly suited.

As much as you would like employees to completely switch off, there are times when forcing them to do so can cause them to be more anxious — especially for those with senior or demanding positions. Yet, at the same time, you cannot argue that a relaxed and calm mental state can improve an employee’s productivity and efficiency.

How can HR leaders help create a work-life balance wherein employees can work and learn, yet feel secure? After all, there are many benefits of taking a vacation that helps to release stress and provide an opportunity to learn and explore new things. In addition, vacations allow people to expand their minds.

Let’s take a closer look at how to benefit from the workation trend.

A 2017  “Technology in society’ report shows over 210 million people worldwide suffer from digital addictions. The new “always on” culture has led to people checking their phones as the first thing they do in the morning.

This group of “always on work’ culture employees have difficulty letting their hair down, which often leads to exhaustion and burnout at work. A workation can be a golden middle for employees who like to be well-connected to their workplace even when they’re on vacation. They don’t need a wealth of cultural and entertainment opportunities. As long as their need for being connected with technology and the workplace are met, they can relax and destress

From a psychological perspective, workaholics have existed way before the latest technological revolution. Workaholics feel compelled to work because of internal pressures. On the other hand, people with demanding jobs have a similar compulsion to be in touch with their teams, imagining that their absence could lead to disaster. For such employees, a workation can provide the perfect playground to relax in the evenings while ensuring that everything at the workplace is operating efficiently.

Whether people work in a cubicle from 9 to 5 or work from home, the urge to seek adventure and explore new possibilities has always shaped and directed people’s minds and given meaning to life. Workation allows employees stuck in a rut to get out of their comfort zone and expand their horizons.

A workation can work miracles for more than providing a relaxing atmosphere for employees. HR leaders can use this trend to promote several benefits to the workforce.  

According to a 2018 Harris Poll, 87 percent of 1300 business travelers reported that business trips to different countries helped them be more empathetic to others. With diversity at the workplace being such a hot topic, workations can help employees move toward a more empathic and compassionate way of thinking. In addition, HR leaders can provide employees with the opportunity to uncover perspectives through authentic experiences represented by people who are part of their diverse workforce.

By offering group workation opportunities to employees, HR leaders can allow employees to spend time with colleagues away from the pressures of their daily life back home. In addition, it helps teams get to know one another on an individual level and allows space for teammates to bond while sharing unique and life-changing experiences.

Working in the office or remotely can be mundane and repetitive, leading to low morale and motivation. A workation provides an opportunity to explore a new place and take a break from monotonous work life.

Workation opportunities help employees feel appreciated for their work and let them know that the company cares about them by providing unique experiences. Such work-life experience allows employees to enjoy personal space and rejuvenate the mind and body. Furthermore, when employees feel they’re being taken care of, it automatically boosts their morale and encourages them to perform better, thereby boosting their productivity.