Traveling is becoming more accessible but with a finite number of Personal Time Off (or PTO) days, it can feel as though there isn’t much time to explore the world! A new trend is emerging - a mix between working and vacationing. Simply put, a workcation is when you work remotely so you don’t have to use up PTO days. Instead, you do your full work day from an exotic location and spend your evenings enjoying the nightlife of your chosen destination. According to a Harris Poll, 74% of Americans would consider this type of working style if working remotely. 

Read more about whether workcations could work for you! 

Why are workcations becoming popular?

There was a movement beginning pre-2020 that saw workers looking for more flexible office practices. As technology evolved, it soon became clear that people could log on from anywhere in the world and remain connected to their teams without having to step foot into an office. Hybrid work and remote jobs have given us a new-founded sense of freedom to experience the world while maintaining a career and income. 

Hybrid work and workcations

Hybrid work has created the perfect situation to balance working and vacationing. If your office has a flexible office policy, you could take a long weekend somewhere on the days you don’t have to be in the office. Remote workers have full flexibility, and you could do your work anywhere in the world - just be sure to account for time zones and working hours! 

What are the benefits of workcations?

There are so many advantages to working away from your desk - even hybrid work can feel monotonous when in an endless cycle of home and office. So if you have the opportunity, here’s why a workcation could help your productivity: 

• Increase creativity 
• Reduce stress and risk of burnout 
• Travel without having to take time off 
• Create balance in your life
• Return to work refreshed 
• Recharge your mental health

What is not counted as a workcation? 

• Vacations - On traditional vacations, you use PTO days and have time away from your work. Whereas, on a workcation, you’re still expected to hit deadlines, work on projects and take calls 
• Bleisure travel -  If you don’t have a hybrid work option, you could add some PTO days to a business trip, depending on the location, and enjoy some leisure time after a busy schedule of meetings. Or if you’re lucky (or plan it strategically) you won’t need to use PTO days and can take advantage of weekends or public holidays instead! 
• A sabbatical - Sabbaticals are used for personal and professional development and can last as long as three months. During that time you will be fully focused on your goal, rather than working. 
• Sick or mental health days - Depending on your company’s policy, these are either taken out of PTO days or dedicated days for recuperation of health. Either way, it’s time to focus on your health and log off from work.

What to pack for a workcation 

Whilst a workcation is in another location, you still have a duty to work, so it’s wise to pack everything you need to be able to have a productive day. Below is a packing list so that you’re work-ready on your workcation - of course, it’s location dependent but here are the essentials! 

• Laptop and charger
• International plug adapters 
• Notebook
• Power bank 
• External hard drive (a lifesaver if your laptop crashes!)
• Noise-canceling headphones 

How to structure a workcation

To get the best from a workcation and balance your work with exploration, there are a few strategies you can employ. Firstly, work out when you need to be online and contactable - if you are in a different timezone you may need to adjust your day according to this. Create a schedule so you have time to work, and time to play and can enjoy your surroundings. Finally, arrange your travel times outside of contactable hours so that you’re able to fulfill your working requirements. 

How can The Square support workcations? 

Our flex workspace means that you can enjoy full flexibility - you can have a base for work when you’re in Houston, Mexico City, Salt Lake City, or Washington D.C., and then fly off to the next destination knowing that you don’t have to commit to long-term leases. Alternatively, you could make use of the meeting and conference rooms, which are available by the hour. If you want a long workcation, you could take advantage of our virtual offices, which give you a professional mailing address without needing a desk. Of course, with our flex workspaces, you can flex up or down according to your changing needs. 

Contact us to find out more!