You see them coming by on a regular basis, those enviable images of someone sitting comfortably working on the Spanish beach. A nice sun, palm tree in the background and a big smile. And you are slaving away at your kitchen table or in a crowded office. But you too can sit there, on workation! Remote working is becoming increasingly popular. We have all experienced that we can collaborate online and that the office is not the only place where you can do your work. So if it gives you immense energy to do that from abroad for a while, get in on the action. A workstation is always temporary, a week at some, a month at others. With many companies it is negotiable to see if you can work abroad temporarily. After all, you won’t be away for very long and you can still be reached, but you’ll spend more time in the sun. You can do this alone, or with a friend, partner, colleague, or maybe you meet someone through the grapevine who would also like to do this and you go together. It’s just what you need. Sometimes being alone can be wonderful, but it can also be really nice to have some company. You can also do a group workation, where you share a villa with a like-minded person and do fun group activities. A number of things are important for a successful workation. Here are the 8 steps you should take to ensure a successful workation:
1. Distinguish a workation from a vacation
You just keep doing your work, but from a different place. In your free time, you can go out and enjoy your workation. It is therefore the best of both worlds.
2. When do you go on workation?
When is an appropriate time to go abroad? Avoid missing crucial face to face meetings or events. Also do not go away during the busiest week of the year, if the workload is sky-high then that is not the time for a workation.
3. Conversation with your employer
Make good agreements with your supervisor and express expectations to each other. An employee must properly indicate his or her needs; on the other hand, an employer must be clear about the possibilities and rules.
4. Determine your destination
Preferably avoid time differences during your workation. Collaborating with your colleagues in different time zones is challenging.
5. Preparing your work week
Plan what your work week will look like. How many hours do you need to work? Do you want to take extra time off? What important meetings do you have that absolutely require you to be in a quiet workspace?
6. Find a suitable workplace
Provide a safe connection, quiet work environment, preferably ergonomic and do your homework in advance for a good workplace at your destination.
7. Packing your (work) bag
In addition to your laptop, phone and chargers, consider a power bank, headphones/ears, good laptop bag and cables for a 2nd screen or landline internet. Also consider a professional outfit for video meetings.
8. Share your workation experience
We are all gaining more and more workation experience. Therefore, share your experiences with others and learn from each other. A workation gives you so much positive energy. A change of scenery always does a person very well and provides a load of inspiration, creativity and relaxation. You can see more of the world and travel, without it costing you vacations. Isn’t that ideal! Want to read more about a workation? Read the 5 benefits of a workation here .
