With remote working, one of the biggest advantages is the freedom to choose your own workspace. You can get your work done from the comfort of your co-living, Airbnb or other place of your own choosing. But with this freedom also comes responsibility. Going on workation is great, but how do you make sure it’s not only relaxing, but also productive? After all, the quality of your work shouldn’t suffer if you work from another place. It shouldn’t make any difference. We know from our own experience how difficult it can sometimes be to concentrate and not be distracted by the beautiful surroundings. Here are 10 valuable tips for a productive working vacation, with an eye toward successful remote working.
1. Set up a good workplace
A comfortable and inspiring workspace makes a big difference during your workation. Look for a location with good Internet connection, a quiet environment and plenty of space to work. Whether it’s a coworking space, a fine coffee bar or a quiet corner in your hotel, make sure you choose a place where you can concentrate. Pay attention to that, too, when choosing an Airbnb, for example. Is there good wifi? Are there good chairs? Make sure you have an ergonomic workstation, preferably with a laptop stand so you are looking at the right height and noise canceling headphones. I also bring a separate keyboard myself (see below). This is how you ensure a productive workation. I personally use the products below, which you can buy through bol.com.
Wherever you go to work, without good wifi you are nowhere. So always check in advance if there is wifi and if it works well. Read reviews or do a speed test via an app. If the wifi is bad somewhere, you’ll read about it quickly enough in other people’s reviews and know not to go there. You can always fall back on your hotspot, within the EU that is. Then you connect to your laptop via your phone and use your phone’s network. We do that regularly and it almost always works.
2. Set up a work schedule
Good planning and organization are important for a productive workation. Make a clear list of tasks and goals you want to accomplish during your workation. Set realistic deadlines and make sure you have all the necessary tools and resources on hand. Also make a schedule that divides your work hours and free time. This will allow you to enjoy the destination after your workday. By planning in advance, you can give yourself structure and avoid mixing work and leisure.
3. Dress for success
This sounds a bit excessive, of course, but just dress like you’re going to the office. We did learn this from working from home during the corona pandemic. That way you’re more likely to get into your work mindset. You don’t have to be in a suit or heels, of course, but don’t go to work in your pajamas or “home suit” either.
4. Determine your task list
Create a set schedule for your workday. This helps you keep yourself accountable and maintain a work-life balance. For example, also start a little earlier in the day so you can finish earlier in the afternoon. Then you’ll have plenty of time to go out afterwards. Start your workday by creating a to-do list. This gives you clear goals and priorities for the day. And literally crossing off tasks motivates, too.
5. Avoid distractions
The biggest challenge during a workation is to keep distractions to a minimum. This requires self-discipline. Keep things neat and organized so that you are not distracted by clutter or a lack of order in your workplace. The environment in which you work has a major impact on your productivity. The fewer distractions you have, the less likely you are to be unable to concentrate on your work. It also helps to schedule specific work times and reward yourself with time off when you have achieved your goals. That way you can do your work more efficiently and enjoy your relaxation more afterwards.
Be aware of your distractions and minimize them. Do certain tasks (separate from your work) stay in your head? Write them down and make time for them after work. Are you easily distracted by ambient noise? Then put on a noice cancelling headphone, for example. I personally use this noice cancelling headphone by JBL.
6. Communicate effectively
Ensure open and clear communication with your colleagues and supervisors so that everyone knows when you are working and when you are not. This will also help you avoid crooked faces and prejudices about your productivity while traveling. Make use of remote working tools such as video conferencing and chats. Find out what tools you can use for that purpose here.
7. Take plenty of breaks
This is important in the office too, of course, but you may be quick to bang on. Allow yourself regular breaks. Taking a break away from your workplace can improve your productivity and creativity. Have a coffee on your balcony or take a walk around the neighborhood.
One of the benefits of a workation is that you get to explore new environments, which gives you new inspiration. You are away from your familiar home situation for a while and gain all new impressions during your workation. Take advantage of your free time and breaks to explore your surroundings. This helps to refresh your mind as well as get new inspiration for your work. Visit a local market to clear your head or take a walk along the beach while thinking about a creative project or new business idea.
8. Take good care of your health
While it is important to be productive during your workation, it is also important to find the right balance between work and relaxation. Make sure you get enough rest, take time to relax and really enjoy your time off. Plan activities and outings that will energize you and help you relax, such as yoga, hiking, visiting a spa or just chilling by the pool. Are you more into action? You can also consider supping, a brisk hike or biking. Spending enough time relaxing will give you an energy boost and help you come back from your workout recharged.
Also make sure you get plenty of exercise and healthy meals. Your health is essential to a successful workday. Remote working from abroad may feel more like “vacation,” so you may be less inclined to eat healthy. During your workday, you’ll be behind your laptop a lot, so go for an occasional run, a walk or explore the area on foot.
9. Set clear boundaries
It is tempting to overload yourself with work because you are not in the office and you are alone in a co-living or private workspace, for example. Before you know it, you become totally absorbed in your work. Learn to say no to extra tasks and set boundaries. Especially if you might want to take some extra time off during the trip, you need to carefully set your limits in terms of workload. It’s a shame if you can’t enjoy your workation because you have too much work to do.
10. Reflect and optimize
At the end of the day, evaluate what went well and what didn’t. Adjust your work routine to become more and more productive. Are certain tasks not completed? Then adjust your weekly schedule accordingly. This way you avoid stress and you can still combine your work with your private life.
Remote working offers flexibility and freedom, but it also requires discipline and organization. Some tips may seem obvious, but even we know from experience that sometimes you can lose yourself in that beautiful environment. Do you find it difficult to prepare a workation well. Don’t know if it suits you or what to think about? We do (online) personal consultations. Interested in a meeting and good advice? Then send us a message, we would love to help you!
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