Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Are you considering working during your vacation? Hmm! A workcation may not be the best option for you after all! This blog provides the details on workcation – what it is, how it works, and the risks accompanying it. In the end, we share tips on how to make your workcation as enjoyable as possible – if you want to experience this trend.
What is a Workcation?
Workcation simply means you accept to work even while you are on vacation/holiday.
Workcation Culture on the rise
Workcation culture is on the rise. During the pandemic, the culture of workcation rose to save vacation hours and protect the job even while vacationing. There are a few reasons why this trend is growing from an employer’s perspective.
For one, it’s a great way to avoid the hassle and crowding of regular workplaces. It’s also a great way to keep employees engaged and motivated since they get to work from their personal space. And lastly, it’s a great way to save money on office space and transportation costs.
Moreover, people use social media like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to post happy pictures of their workcation. Some do it to stay in the trend even if the time spent during workcation wasn’t that great.
In all, the workcation culture pulls down the essence of a holiday/vacation.
6 worst things you must know about workcation.
With workcation, we destroy the fun of vacation/holiday. Here, I will share two perspectives, family and self.
From the perspective of your family,
1. You are working instead of resting and enjoying the time off.
2. You will be exhausted when you return to work – even if it’s only for a few hours per day.
3. The work you do, is inappropriate for your vacation/holiday destination, which can ruin the experience altogether.
4. You may miss out on social activities because you’re working/concentrating so hard (or vice versa).
5. Your vacation/holiday money might not last as long as expected while you spend it on WORK instead of fun activities.
6. You might feel guilty after returning to work and feeling like you’ve taken advantage of your vacation/holiday time.
From your perspective,
1. Workacations can be quite taxing on your mental and physical health.
2. They are not always a great experience for employees or employers.
3. They’ve been known to lead to burnout and stress in employees and decreased productivity at work-related tasks during the workcation/staycation.
4. There is often a lack of transparency with workcation arrangements, which leaves both sides feeling unsure about obligations during the staycation period.
5. Organizational chaos may ensue when work is allocated during the staycation period, leading to potential conflict and confusion among employees.
6. Often, workcations are not affordable or feasible for everyone – particularly if you’re planning on taking a break from your job.
Tips for Managing Stress During a Workcation (I hope you don’t end up here)
- Make sure you clearly communicate and share your workcation plan with employees and management.
- Schedule breaks so you’re not working continuously for extended periods without any relief or downtime.
- Keep distractions to a minimum during the staycation period – limit yourself to leisure activities instead of intense work tasks whenever possible.
- Take regular mental and physical breaks throughout the day – set an alarm reminder or stick to a specific “break” routine if needed to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your time off.
- Make sure that all work-related tasks are delegated to other employees or contractors to minimize the amount of work during the workcation period.
- Stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine while on vacation – these will help you relax and recharge mentally and physically, allowing you to return to work with more vigor than before!
Vacation/Holiday is for a reason – to enjoy the time with your loved ones. It is an opportunity to learn something new about the place you are visiting. So, my suggestion – Workcation is a silly trend you must avoid.
Listen to the voices from the recent independent survey conducted on LinkedIn. Make an informed decision, and don’t dive into the trend just because you have to.
5 Ways to Make Your Workcation More Enjoyable
If you are pulled into the trend and want to experience this side of the work culture, here are 5 ways to make your workcation enjoyable.
1. Make sure you research the location well before going – see if there are any potential hazards or wildlife you should be aware of.
2. Pack light – you’ll want to bring just the essentials – so you don’t have to carry extra weight.
3. Bring in some entertainment – it’ll help take your mind off work while on your trip. Avoid loud music on the streets – that is not enjoyment, but a nuisance.
4. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Explore all the local amenities and food culture.
5. Ensure to return home refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on the rest of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few reasons why people often choose to work during their vacation.
Some people feel it’s essential to get some work done while they’re away – so they don’t have to worry about anything when they get back. They also believe it’s good for their productivity and professional development, networking, and building relationships.
Others choose to work because they want to make money while on vacation. They think it’s an easy way to supplement their income and spend more time enjoying themselves.
Unless you are a high-paid executive or someone else who requires more time off work than the average person, it is not worth paying for a luxury hotel – so you can have more time off. The cost of such hotels can be quite expensive, and in some cases, exceed your salary in a week. Traveling with friends or family instead can be a much smarter option financially.
Conclusion
Workcationing is a popular trend that is growing in popularity all over the world. While it has many benefits, such as increasing work experience and networking, there are also a few things to keep in mind before taking the plunge. In this blog, we’ve outlined the six worst things you must know about workcation before deciding if it’s the right thing for you. We hope that by reading this blog, you’ll be better prepared and have a smoother experience during your workcation!
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