60% are planning to travel while working this year and two-thirds say their productivity is unaffected by location, showing that the traditional office may no longer be necessary for success.
In 2022, Envoy surveyed 8000 companies to find that the majority had adopted hybrid work models and given their employees an unprecedented amount of flexibility by embracing "at-will schedules".
Just 15% maintained rigid attendance requirements after lockdowns were lifted. The newfound freedom indicates a positive shift in how employers are treating their workforce post-pandemic.
This move towards hyper flexibility shows that workforce mobility is now becoming business as usual at leading organizations around the world.
Why is workation a trend HR should take seriously?
To stay ahead of the pack, HR needs to make a significant shift in perspective, in an increasingly virtual world, organizations must re-evaluate their approach to work.
As HR teams are faced with new opportunities presented by the post-pandemic trends, they have a unique potential to redesign and restructure existing processes. This can lead to more efficient working models that not only support employee productivity but also improve well-being across the workforce. By taking advantage of this moment for bold change, businesses can ensure success in uncertain times while strengthening organizational performance overall.
How does it work?
"Workations" allow employees to take a break from the office while staying productive. These trips can last weeks or even months - both abroad and in one's homeland. With reliable internet access worldwide, plus modern cloud-based systems for workflow management, workations are increasingly feasible.
With cloud-based applications and videoconferencing systems "workations" is now a reality for many professionals. This new way of working combines business with pleasure as employees are able to travel while still handling their full output of tasks.
The advantages? A chance to recharge one's batteries away from home while gaining new inspiration and boosting productivity.
Better work experience
HR should collaborate with employees to discover how workation opportunities can create a better work experience for them. Establishing an effective policy requires strategic planning and consideration.
There are certain steps HR must take prior to implementing this benefit; from understanding legal & fiscal implications to determining which health/travel insurance is suitable for staff members working abroad. Also clearly communicate any organization-mandated limitations so all participants fully comprehend what is allowed/offered or not prior to taking on these exciting opportunities!
And last, but perhaps most important: To stay ahead of the competition and drive employee morale, HR must proactively promote workation opportunities to their top performers. This innovative initiative should be included in your employer value proposition for prospective hires—a powerful way to attract new talent with attractive benefits!
A hybrid work platform
This change will also require digital tools that support these changes and make it easy for management to follow up.
Our hybrid work platform FLX is a major contributor in making this shift easy and predictable for companies that wish to offer a more forward-looking approach to the new working life
We make it easy for companies to arrange workation as a benefit for employees. They can work from anywhere – whether it’s in a sunny coworking space on the beach or from their own home office.
So if you're looking for some fun ways for your employees to stay productive, try out a workation!
