Digital Nomads in Swimwear

A working vacation allows you to explore foreign destinations as soon as you close your laptop. Under what conditions will it help you recharge your batteries, and when will it exhaust you more than commuting to the office? We will also tell you whether workation affects productivity and how companies can cope with half-empty offices during the summer. 

Seventy-five per cent of respondents stated that the ability to work from anywhere they want increases their job satisfaction. Although some companies require their staff to work from home only in certain locations for tax or security reasons, more and more people are taking advantage of the concept of a working vacation, or “workation,” which allows them to avoid using up their limited vacation days. Last summer, six million people planned to work abroad.  

“More and more companies will adopt policies that support working from anywhere. This will improve the work-life balance of employees and increase their attractiveness as employers,” claims Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of the International Workplace Group.  

Last year, Budapest was declared the capital of digital nomads. Barcelona, known as a leading startup hub in southern Europe, came in second, and the bronze medal went to the island of Bali, which saw a 40% increase in digital nomads last year. Among beach locations for workations, Brades in Montserrat, The Valley in Anguilla, and Zadar in Croatia received the highest scores. 

Teamwork is key 

When combined with smart planning, a workation can boost employee creativity, provide a pleasant change of scenery, and reduce employee turnover. Some studies have found that staff in hybrid mode is just as productive as in the office, resigns less often, and can help companies save money on office costs. 

Research also confirms that people who work remotely are the most engaged. This is evidenced by the fact that 97 companies in this year’s Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® ranking support remote or hybrid work. Productivity in these companies is nearly 42% higher than in a typical American workplace.  

The best recipe for efficiency is not the presence of employees in the office, but the feeling that they can rely on teamwork – then they are 8.2 times more willing to put in more effort. “Friendship is like a secret weapon. When employees experience the connection of great work, a strong mission, and shared values, productivity increases,” explains Julian Lute, strategic advisor at Great Place to Work. 

Another key to maintaining team efficiency and satisfaction is strong leadership—if this is lacking, it will be reflected in the company’s results. “Leaders who do not prioritise trust contribute to uncertainty, inconsistent communication, and a lack of cooperation in challenging times,” says Julian Lute. Productive remote work does not mean that companies should squeeze as much output as possible out of their people – rather, it requires creating conditions in which employees want to perform at their best. The more companies invest in the trust and internal well-being of their teams, the more sustainable their success will be.  

Starter pack for every workation 

When choosing a destination for a working vacation, look for a place with a reliable internet connection, good infrastructure, and a pleasant working environment. When booking accommodation, give preference to those that offer special discounts for long-term stays. Also, don’t forget to make sure that it is located in a time zone that is suitable for working with your team. You can also take advantage of local coworking spaces, where you can meet other people and network.   

A successful workation requires thorough preparation. To ensure uninterrupted internet access, bring a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device or local SIM cards with you. Test the connection quality as soon as you arrive at your accommodation and always have a backup plan ready (e.g., nearby cafes or coworking spaces). Always use a VPN when accessing company files or using public Wi-Fi. Keep sensitive information secure, back up your data, and set up two-factor authentication. 

Your backpack should include noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds, a power bank, an adapter and extension cord, a portable mouse, a laptop lock, and appropriate clothing for both work meetings and leisure activities. Since not all beaches have chairs or tables available, a portable folding chair and a lightweight laptop stand will also come in handy. Get anti-glare screen protectors to protect your eyesight, and waterproof bags to protect your electronics from water, dust, and sand.  

In a foreign country, it is also important to know the local laws and regulations regarding work, taxes, and visas for digital nomads. Before you leave, make sure you have the necessary documents ready to avoid legal complications. Also, clarify with your team your availability, preferred communication channels, and response time expectations. 

How to maintain balance on a workation 

One of the biggest advantages of a workation is the flexibility to create your own schedule. However, with great freedom comes the need for great self-discipline. It can be harder to concentrate in a vacation environment, especially when there are tempting activities nearby. If it wouldn’t be appropriate to attend a meeting at the office with a mojito in your hand and wearing a swimsuit, you shouldn’t do it on vacation either. Children who chaotically enter your online meetings can be a similar problem – you should therefore have a plan of activities to keep them entertained, kids’ clubs where you can leave them, or relatives who can look after them.  

“Find the time when you can concentrate best – it’s likely to be in the morning – and spend a few hours proactively setting priorities and then methodically doing the work,” suggests Jo Glynn-Smith, coach and motivational speaker. “During the day, you can answer emails or make a few phone calls, but otherwise just keep an eye on what’s going on. At the end of the day, take another look at what you didn’t get done and finish it. Before you disconnect in the evening, make a plan for the next day.” You can also divide your day into blocks – set aside certain hours for focused work and others for leisure activities. 

Last but not least, remember that the point of a workation is to find a balance between work and leisure. So leave yourself plenty of time to relax and explore your destination so you can recharge your batteries. Set aside time for physical activity, eat nutritious meals, and get enough rest. Constant travel can be exhausting, but taking care of your body will help you stay productive. 

Working from the beach, vacationing while working  

Even if you manage to fulfil all your responsibilities, you may find that working from the beach can irrevocably blur the lines between work and vacation time. This will prevent you from being able to truly unwind. “Your brain needs rest and relaxation, especially if you have a demanding job,” explains Jo Glynn-Smith. “Without rest, we can become overworked, which leads to burnout.”  

Brigid Delaney, a journalist with Guardian Australia, has had a similar experience: “Last week, I was with friends in Byron Bay, and it was difficult to tell who was on vacation and who was working. Most of them were doing both, from cafes and their Airbnbs.” Although at first glance the ability to work from anywhere seems liberating, some of the author’s friends had to attend two online meetings at once, with each earpiece connected to a different meeting. 

According to Brigid Delaney, the result of this social experiment is that working hours are becoming more scattered and free time less pure: “By trying to have it both ways—working when we’re on vacation and vacationing when we’re working—aren’t we getting the worst of both worlds?” In addition, 52% of remote workers report working longer hours than their office-based colleagues. With 79% of respondents feeling burned out, it’s important to remember that we should still take a traditional vacation (without our laptops), too, when we feel we need it.  

In that case, however, your employer will face an unpleasant challenge. Since many people take vacations in the summer, the workload for the remaining staff will increase. This can lead to more burnout and resignations. Fortunately, your company can hire experienced freelancers before the busy season and simply let them go when it’s over.