Workcation: a trend that blends work and vacation gains momentum, but opinions are divided

You are on a marvelous beach. The sound of the waves, the sun shining on your face, a cold drink by your side. Everything is perfect. Until your laptop beeps. You check it 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 of workcation.

The term is a blend of "work" and "vacation." In other words, it is a trip that mixes rest and productivity. It is not exactly a home office, but it is also not a period of complete time off.

The concept's popularity grew with the advancement of remote work. Companies realized that many functions can be performed anywhere in the world. Employees began testing new formats. And thus, this trend was born.

Here in Brazil, the acceptance of workcation is still timid. This is because traditional work culture still prevails. Many managers struggle to accept that an employee can be at a resort and, at the same time, be productive. After all, if they are not in the office, are they really working?

Even so, there are signs of change. Freelancers and startups are leading this movement. Tourist cities have already noticed the opportunity and are investing in infrastructure to attract digital nomads. Florianópolis, for example, has become a hub for this new lifestyle.

More and more companies are adopting the workcation model, allowing their employees to work from anywhere in the world. Airbnb, for instance, encourages this flexibility, while Dropbox has implemented the "Virtual First" concept, eliminating the need for a fixed office. At Spotify, the "Work from Anywhere" program guarantees complete geographical freedom for its 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 location, often surrounded by nature, can reduce stress and improve quality of life. The change of environment can also stimulate creativity, providing new perspectives and ideas that would rarely emerge in a traditional office. Furthermore, the autonomy to define one's own routine contributes to healthier productivity, without the pressure of rigid schedules.

However, not everything is advantageous. One of the main challenges of workcation is the difficulty in establishing boundaries between work and leisure. After all, how can one ensure that a moment of rest is not interrupted by emails or unexpected meetings? Additionally, 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, which 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 being always 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 sacrificing performance.

The trend is growing, but it still needs adjustments. Companies need to learn to trust their employees more. Professionals, in turn, must know how to balance work demands and rest.

If well implemented, workcation can be a major advancement in how we view work. If poorly managed, it can just be a disguise for the culture of hyper-productivity.

What about you? Do you think you could work with your feet in the sand, or do you prefer the discipline of the office?