Globally, we are increasingly becoming a digital population. Our lives and memories are moving online, the way we organise and communicate is digitized, and now, for many, the way we work is pretty much entirely online.
In this technological world where our work-life balance is increasingly important, PR professionals are finding new and innovative ways to blend work and leisure, and with the increase in connectivity it begs the question; why do we need to be in one place when we work?
One of the newest trends to take agencies by storm is the rise of workcations, meaning people are escaping archetypal working environments. A whole sector of professionals who have been working remotely is beginning to realize they could do so from anywhere with a wifi connection.
But what exactly is a ‘workcation’?
Workcations: Defining the Trend
Simply put, a workcation combines the practice of working, whilst vacationing.
It’s a concept that’s easy to understand but, for many, once you delve into the intricacies of it, it can seem extremely daunting and unpleasant; why would you want to work on holiday?
Well, in actuality, a workcation allows you to travel freely whilst fulfilling your responsibilities at work which, if you work remotely (either in-house or at an agency), you can already do from anywhere in the world.
Imagine having the ability to break free from your routine, and finishing work before heading out to the beach for a sunset swim, or into the mountains for an evening adventure.
The key difference between a workcation and a regular vacation is that your work continues for the duration of your trip; if you’re attending virtual meetings, sending emails, filling in spreadsheets or winning new clients, you can complete your tasks and experience life to the fullest simultaneously.
Workcations do not only apply to a typical employee either; in fact, for freelancer marketers or entrepreneurs it can be an even bigger opportunity to swing your work-life balance heavily in favour of ‘life’.
Whether you’re focusing on reseller hosting as extra income on the side, writing travel articles or running your own eCommerce business, take advantage of your computerized work and get out there.
A workcation would allow you to travel without missing out on your paycheck, experience scenic and new environments and enhance your overall well-being.
For those looking for a change of scene or trying to break free from a rut, travel can be a great way to recover from burnout.
The Benefits of Workcations
Having more freedom is afforded to us by working remotely, but it’s actually a very small percentage of people who take full advantage of working from home.
If you have no ties to an office, or place of work, then what is keeping you in one place?
The benefits of a workcation can extend far beyond the excitement of travel, in fact, workcations can offer a multitude of advantages that improve almost every aspect of your work life balance.
Here are just a few of the reasons that workcations are a great idea for you.
1. Enhanced Work-Life Balance
This is arguably the most obvious reason to consider a workcation.
Your work-life balance should be one of the most important aspects of your life and many Americans claim it’s important, but fail to attain a good one, and we only live once after all. If you’re feeling like you’re living to work, then a workcation could be the best answer for you.
Firstly, you’ll be placing yourself in a relaxing environment of your own choosing; your downtime will be spent in the places you value most. Secondly, you’ll be able to escape completely from the stresses of work.
Whether you’re in a cosy cabin in the woods or a seaside resort, you can close your computer down and get stuck straight into an activity that you enjoy. Get out into nature, swim in the sea, ride your bike, join a fitness class; or simply enjoy being fully switched off.
2. Explore & Earn
If you’ve always dreamt about traveling then you’ll likely have a list of dream destinations to visit, be it in your mind or an actual physical list.
These places can often seem out of reach due to financial issues and time constraints of our modern world, but a workcation solves both of these issues!
Working as you holiday in places you’ve always dreamed of visiting is the perfect solution for those who can’t take the time away from work to travel, and you’ll be able to maintain your salary as you visit your bucket list destinations, meaning you’ll have more money for fun stuff.
3. Boost in Creativity and Productivity
As you may well know firsthand, having the same routine for an extended period can be pretty damaging to motivation, creativity and enthusiasm.
For those who thrive in fresh settings, new challenges and adventure, a workcation could actually help to revitalise and boost your motivation, increase your creativity and bring back some pleasure into your PR role and life.
Not to mention the fact that spending as little as 10 minutes in nature can reduce stress, improve focus and even lower blood pressure; for those looking to head into nature on workcation, do you need any more persuading?
4. Reduced Burnout
Burnout is a relatively new term for many people, but it is essentially a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion and has been surprisingly common amongst remote workers: many end up working extra hours through lack of discipline and the sheer ease of being at home and simply staying on your computer to work!
Breaking out of the cycle that is breaking you down can help you to establish much healthier boundaries between work and regular life, especially if there are places you are motivated to go and visit after work hours.
Working in a more relaxing environment can prevent physical exhaustion, and the stimuli of exploration and adventure can reinvigorate your mental state.
The Era of Remote Work
With remote work actually on the rise, it should come as no surprise that there has been a surge in people taking advantage of their new situations, but not everyone is brave enough to take the first step.
As more companies adopt flexible and hybrid roles many are struggling with overworking, as we have already touched upon, whilst others are feeling stagnant, isolated and separate.
For those who are struggling it is important to remember that you are in control of your situation, and as long as you are meeting the terms of your contract and are able to work when required, you can make the most of your remote position.
The Future of Workcations
Workcations are much more than a passing trend; in fact, it’s a reflection of the changing nature of work in the 21st century, and the concept will become an integral part of the digital PR landscape.
As we gain the ability to work from anywhere, more and more remote workers will take advantage of increasingly good connectivity and explore the boundaries of remote work.
Workcations offer an exciting opportunity to those who are seeking something new, for those who are looking to add a little adventure to their lives, and for those who need to refresh their work-life balance.
The benefits of workcations are numerous and will spread across industries as the concept gains momentum; workcations will play a larger and larger part in shaping the future of how we work and travel.
