Since the shift to fully remote life in early 2020, regularly scheduled visits and casual pop-ins with loved ones had to slip by the wayside, even as holidays came and went. But with time, difficult adjustments and a few too many video calls, we’re finally approaching a sense of new normalcy. And what better time than now to pack a bag and hit the road? You don’t even have to take time off from work to make it happen.
One of the silver linings many employees found through the pandemic was the global transition to working from home. With options for flexibility and hybrid schedules come opportunities to expand your workspace beyond the kitchen table or home office.
From New York to Virginia, Olivia Dannon brought her role as marketing coordinator at Biz2Credit to her extended family’s home for a workcation.
“I really appreciated the flexibility to finally travel and see my family while still maintaining my normal workflow,” she shared.
Built In NYC sat down with Dannon to learn why flexibility is so important for companies to offer their employees and what advice she would give to those who want to travel while they work. Sometimes all it takes is a little change of scenery to reignite your motivation and productivity. So book that flight and pack your work computer — it’s workcation season.
Where did you go for your workcation, and what did you enjoy most about your time there?
I went to my family’s home in Virginia. It was great because I was able to spend time with my family and friends, but was still able to be productive and get my work done remotely. For a long time, New York had a mandatory quarantine, so as you can imagine, that made seeing family almost impossible. Now, more than ever, I really appreciated the flexibility to finally travel and see my family while still maintaining my normal workflow.
With a hybrid or fully remote schedule, you really do have the flexibility to travel, see family and explore new places while still working.”
How did going on a workcation change your perspective on your professional life?
It made me realize that with a hybrid or fully remote schedule, you really do have the flexibility to travel, see family and explore new places while still working. Obviously, you need to ensure that your workflow and productivity are not being hindered in any way. But if you can manage traveling and working remotely at the same time, it is something everyone should consider taking advantage of.
For people thinking about taking their own workcation, what would you recommend to ensure a healthy balance between relaxation and exploration while staying motivated by work?
I would ensure that the place you are staying has adequate spots to work, whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb or your family’s home. One of the most important things to maintain is a productive work environment, so opt for accommodations that have a desk, common areas or a quiet room that allows you to still be fully present in your work. You will also want to be aware of any time zone changes you might experience. The last thing you want to do is log on to a meeting that has already ended!
Most of us still have to stay in touch and collaborate with colleagues on meetings and during formal work hours when we’re on a workcation, so make sure you’ll always be able to keep your normal hours. If you think it might be a problem based on where you’re located, or who’s around you, be sure to check with your manager before signing up for a workday as opposed to knowing when to just take PTO.
