…can be a workation
Okay, technically the workation is a combination of two words, “work” + “vacation.” In short, workation is a holiday that includes work. For company employees, it is a paid work trip that can be combined with aspects of vacation.
In addition, researchers indicate that entirely new experiences or a change of environment causes strong activity in the midbrain region. This means that our brain is more creative and more willing to learn after the absorption of new stimuli.
Since there are many companies where employees work completely or partially from abroad, it is important that there are still offline meetings. Because with a pure online team, the tone can get harsher. Especially if the personal connections are not cultivated. We all know the phenomenon that SMS or WhatsApp are misunderstood.
We are lacking a new place, a new environment, different food, different habits. In order to keep the brain and the mind on their toes, we need to offer it something different outside the usual daily routine. Otherwise we wither. And if you even have an assembly line job – good night. But that’s exactly what’s awesome, you CAN if you WANT.
Thus organize a cooking course for the whole team, do something together that maybe none of the participants did.
The absolute minimum for a workation:
- A good internet connection (the most important thing for a workation to work well)
- A desk at which employees can sit and work
- A location described as “quiet”, “peaceful” (read the reviews!)
What benefits satisfaction:
- Heating/air conditioning that can be regulated (room temperatures are important when you need to concentrate)
- a café or similar place nearby, in case someone wants to change the environment (for creative people)
- There should still be some rules:
- Establish a Code of Honor. A few rules that everyone should follow so that nothing gets out of hand. Here are a few examples of these rules:
- Punctuality, when it is agreed that everyone should meet at 9:00, then everyone has to be there, this has a lot to do with respect – which brings us straight to the next point
- Respect – everyone acknowledges different opinions and lets others express them
- Treat other people as you would like to be treated yourself.
- Everything that is discussed in the group remains in this group.
It is best to write the rules on a blackboard on the first day and leave it there all the time so that these rules are present for everyone.
From day one, try to set a schedule and stick to it while you work. A routine – as much as we try to escape it in everyday life – is necessary for productivity. Having the same schedule every day helps us to stay organized, plan our time more effectively and avoid postponing things for later.
During work you can work with the Scrum methodology in so-called “sprints”. Every morning one task from the TO-DO list.
Involving the staff
The opportunity to offer changes in the company and above all to shape the changes with the employees are factors that always are well received. Especially if these changes can and are implemented. This does not mean predetermined changes, but those in which the employees are involved.
We are all social beings. And even studies on cooperation show that collaboration between individuals activates brain reward centres. And when you think about it, people are always the happiest when they are in a state of flux, when they are part of a community, when they are together with other people, when they are active… There is a deep need for belonging.
Why do workations work so well?
Because they are an effective way to give employees the necessary productivity and motivation boost, to stimulate creativity and to think beyond the normal level. Studies have shown that the environment influences how people think and see. The more radical the environmental changes, the greater the chances for employees to develop unique and innovative ideas and solutions.
