You are at a wonderful beach. The sound of the waves, the sun hitting the face, a cold drink next to. Everything is perfect. Until the notebook beeps. You check and there it is: an urgent email. What to do? Leave it for later or respond right there, between one sip and another? Welcome to the concept ofworkcation.
The word comes from the combination of "work" and "vacation". That is to say, a trip where rest and productivity mix. It's not exactly a home office, but it is also not a total break period
The popularity of the concept has grown with the advancement of remote work. Companies realized that many functions can be performed anywhere in the world. Employees started testing new formats. AND, thus, this trend was born
Here in Brazil, the acceptance of workcation is still timid. This is because the culture of traditional work still prevailsMany managers have difficulty accepting that an employee can be at a resort and, at the same time, be productive. After all, if you are not in the office, is he really working
Even so, there are signs of change. Freelancers and startups are leading this movement. Tourist cities have already recognized the opportunity and are investing in infrastructure to attract digital nomads. Florianópolis, for example, became a hub for this new lifestyle
More and more companies are adopting the workcation model, allowing your employees to work from anywhere in the world. The Airbnb, for example, encourages this flexibility, while Dropbox implemented the concept of "Virtual First", eliminating the need for a fixed office. On Spotify, the "Work from Anywhere" program guarantees total geographic freedom for employees. In Brazil, companies like Resultados Digitais also invest in this model, betting on flexibility as a way to improve employees' quality of life
Pros and cons
The benefits are clear. Working in a pleasant place, often surrounded by nature, can reduce stress and improve quality of life. Changing the environment can also stimulate creativity, providing new perspectives and ideas that would hardly arise in a traditional office. Furthermore, the autonomy to define one's own routine contributes to a healthier productivity, without the pressure of strict schedules.
However, not everything is an advantage. One of the main challenges of workcation is thedifficulty in establishing boundaries between work and leisure. After all, how to ensure that a moment of rest is not interrupted by unexpected emails or meetings? Furthermore, the infrastructure does not always meet the professional's needs – not all destinations have stable internet or a comfortable space for long work hours
Another obstacle is the prejudice still present in the market, that often associates productivity with physical presence in the office. AND, paradoxically, flexibility can lead to overwork, since, without a clear division between professional and personal life, there is a risk of always being available and, consequently, overloaded
Workcation is not for everyone, but it can be an interesting alternative for those seeking more freedom and well-being without giving up performance
The trend is growing, but it still needs adjustments. Companies need to learn to trust employees more. The professionals, in turn, they must know how to balance work and rest demands.
If well applied, workcation can be a great advancement in the way we see work. If poorly managed, it could just be a disguise for the culture of hyperproductivity
And you? Do you think you could work with your feet in the sand or do you prefer the discipline of the office
