You are on a wonderful beach. The sound of the waves, the sun hitting the face, a cold drink nearby. Everything perfect. Until the laptop 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, a trip where rest and productivity are combined. It's not exactly a home office, but it's also not a complete break.
The popularity of the concept grew 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 prevails.Many managers have difficulty accepting that an employee can be at a resort and still be productive.. After all, if you're not in the office, are you really working?
Still, 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, 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 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 complete geographical 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 location, often surrounded by nature, can reduce stress and improve quality of life.Environmental change can also stimulate creativity, providing new perspectives and ideas that would hardly arise in a traditional office. Furthermore,the autonomy to define your own routine contributes to healthier productivity, without the pressure of rigid schedules.
However, not everything is an advantage. One of the main challenges of workcation is thedifficulty in establishing boundaries between work and leisureAfter all, how to ensure that a moment of rest is not interrupted by emails or unexpected meetings? Furthermore,the infrastructure does not always meet the professional's needs– not all destinations have stable internet or a comfortable space for long working 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 always being available and, consequently, overwhelmed.
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 still needs adjustments.Companies need to learn to trust employees more. Professionals, in turn, must know how to balance work demands and rest..
If well implemented, workcation can be a great advancement in the way we perceive work. If poorly managed, it can be just a disguise for a 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?
