Are workcations the solution to burnout?

This rise of hybrid working begs the question: how remote is too remote?

You may have heard the term ‘workcation’, which describes the ability to work while on holiday. While spending three days relaxing by the pool and two days working from the hotel business centre doesn’t sound so bad, how practical are workcations? 

Do they blur the lines between work and play or can they be beneficial for both employees and employers?

Susanne Mueller, co-founder of E’len Co-op, has hosted workcations and taken them herself. She says there are plenty of benefits: “They can immensely contribute to job satisfaction, as well as positively affecting our work outputs. 

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“From organising a workcation, we really found that a change in environment can refresh focus and boost people’s creativity, leading to new insights and the ability to process complex challenges. 

“Feedback from our workcation delivery also demonstrated that working away from the home office reduces the visual reminders of household and admin duties, allowing employees to concentrate more fully on their tasks. It frees up mental space for work.”

Space to think

Lynn Houmdi CMgr MCMI, senior manager, learning and leadership, at the Challenges Group and founder of Flexible Working Scotland, took part in a workcation organised by E’len Co-op.

She says her experience gave her invaluable insight away from the pressure of day-to-day working life.