{"id":7364,"date":"2022-02-18T12:16:51","date_gmt":"2022-02-18T11:16:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/workingremotely.nl\/talking-to-your-employer-about-your-workstation\/"},"modified":"2026-08-10T15:56:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T13:56:22","slug":"talking-to-your-employer-about-your-workstation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/workingremotely.nl\/en\/talking-to-your-employer-about-your-workstation\/","title":{"rendered":"Talking to your employer about your workation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Taking good care of your employees isn\u2019t a new concept, but companies are becoming increasingly better and more open-minded about it. The pandemic has greatly accelerated flexible work arrangements, and with that, the \u201cworkation\u201d trend and working as a digital nomad. There\u2019s still a labor shortage, which makes what you have to offer as an employer even more important. Providing the flexibility and freedom for workations can make a company more attractive. Of course, it has to be a good fit for the organization, and the work must be suitable for remote work. Is this something you\u2019d like to explore? Start the conversation. You never know what\u2019s possible\u2014or where the conversation might lead. <\/p>\n

Starting the conversation with your employer<\/h2>\n

I regularly talk to people who\u2019ve left \u201cunder the radar,\u201d usually because they don\u2019t want the hassle or to face disapproving looks from coworkers. It\u2019s a shame, because honesty is essential for mutual trust. At the same time, I do understand: if your job doesn\u2019t really depend on where you work, you just want to be able to leave without any hassle. Let me be clear: I\u2019m not in favor of moving abroad without informing your employer. In some cases, that can even carry risks\u2014for example, if company policy, insurance, or tax implications don\u2019t align with your plans. <\/p>\n

So start the conversation and explain your needs and wishes. Explain why you\u2019d like to do this. Prepare thoroughly and make sure you know what to consider when planning a workation. Then you can bring your manager or supervisor on board. They might not be entirely sure what to expect either, so a clear explanation will help paint a clear picture of the situation. Below, you\u2019ll find some tips on how to prepare for that conversation. <\/p>\n

\"Alieke<\/p>\n

Tip 1: Check the workation rules<\/h3>\n

Check whether there is already a policy in place for working from abroad. Large organizations often have a policy, sometimes even in writing. For small and medium-sized businesses, this is less clearly defined, but that is precisely why it\u2019s a good idea to discuss the possibilities. The company can decide whether or not to allow it. To do this, contact HR or your manager. <\/p>\n

Tip 2: Prepare and write it down<\/h3>\n

Write down exactly what points you want to discuss. It helps a lot to put this down on paper; that way, you can be sure you won\u2019t forget anything during the conversation itself\u2014which can happen in the heat of the moment. Ask yourself why you want to do this and what your motivation is. For me, it was a tremendous need for freedom, new challenges, and the positive energy of a different environment. <\/p>\n

Tip 3: Destination and Time of Year<\/h3>\n

In addition to your motivation, you\u2019ll also discuss how long you want to be away, what destination you have in mind, and where you\u2019ll be staying. That plan doesn\u2019t have to be set in stone yet\u2014in fact, don\u2019t book anything until you\u2019ve received approval. Keep the time difference in mind: your colleagues typically work from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and to communicate effectively with them, you\u2019ll want to work primarily during those hours. It\u2019s also not a good idea to plan your trip during the busiest time of the year or when you\u2019re needed at the office. Plan around those times. <\/p>\n

\"Banner<\/a><\/p>\n

Tip 4: Organizing Your Workweek<\/h3>\n

Decide what your work-life balance will look like. I often take an extra day off when I\u2019m on a workation, so I have a little more time for fun things. Or you could take some unpaid leave. Discuss this with your employer and coworkers\u2014though, of course, you should always do that anyway. This will give you a clear picture of your workweek, allowing you to plan your free time and activities around it. <\/p>\n

Tip 5: Arranging Your Stay<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s not much different from arranging a vacation stay, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you\u2019re going to be working from abroad. Good Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere these days, but check reviews to see if the quality is actually good, and contact the location if necessary. Comments like \u201cthe Wi-Fi kept cutting out\u201d are a red flag. I personally always prefer to book an apartment or hostel with a comfortable desk, so I don\u2019t have to go to a coworking space every day\u2014though that\u2019s also a lot of fun. And in case it isn\u2019t clear yet: don\u2019t stay out in the middle of nowhere. It\u2019s fun for a vacation, but not practical if there\u2019s no Wi-Fi or cell service. <\/p>\n

\"Alieke<\/p>\n

Tip 6: Take care of the practical details: contract, insurance, and taxes<\/h3>\n

This is the point that\u2019s sometimes overlooked, but it\u2019s just as important as the rest. Before you leave, there are a few things you\u2019ll want to be clear about: <\/p>\n