WORKATION - Work meets Vacation

The best prospects for the mobile office: Workation is the name of a new phenomenon in the world of work. By combining work and vacation into one experience, it redefines these two concepts. For companies like MARC O'POLO, workation can offer significant and inspiring benefits. Whether from home, at showrooms, in design offices or on the road during appointments abroad, mobile working has long been part of the corporate philosophy of our internationally active brand. It's no surprise, then, that working from home has been successful in other EU countries as well. When Eva heard about this opportunity, she was immediately excited and was one of the first to set off with her "office" into the world. Here, we offer you her insight with a Mediterranean outlook.

HOW DID YOUR WORKATION COME ABOUT; WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ITALY, AND HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE?

As a big fan of Italy, I've always wanted to live there for a longer period of time. Since a permanent move is a big step, a workation was the perfect solution for me. This way, I didn't just get to know the country as a classic tourist in vacation mode, but I could live and work there like the locals. When MARC O'POLO first communicated the great benefit of working from abroad, I initially wanted to go to Capri to finally see the Via Krupp. However, as I have friends near Naples who have a large apartment with a guest room, my decision was quickly made. By staying with them, I could be even closer to authentic Italian life. I lived and worked there for two and a half weeks.

WHAT WAS YOUR TYPICAL WORKDAY LIKE DURING YOUR WORKATION AND HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?

My workday during my International Mobile Office was no different from a day at the office. Fixed times where I would be available on my laptop were defined in advance by our team, so everything ran smoothly. However, my lunch breaks and the end of the day were definitely different than in Germany. At lunchtime, I usually tried antipasti and other specialties at an Italian take-away restaurant and after work, I  bought delicious buffalo mozzarella at the small shop next door, where they fished the cheese fresh out of a stainless steel tub behind the counter. After work we would go to the beach, to the surrounding towns or even to Naples. The pizza there is really world-class. I enjoyed Bella Italia and had a great vacation feeling! I really drew a lot of energy from that—the perfect work-life balance.

WORKATION IS ALSO SEEN AS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN MENTAL HEALTH. CAN YOU CONFIRM THIS FOR YOURSELF?

Despite all the tasks and to-dos that need to be done for work, you enjoy all the benefits that a vacation brings. You don't have to take care of your usual household chores and you don't have any private organisational appointments, social club meetings or family obligations. Thus, you feel more free and can concentrate on the here and now. Whether a change of scenery is helpful depends, of course, on your personality. For me, the short escape from everyday stress and immersion in a new environment has broadened my horizons and put one or two often negatively-perceived situations at home into perspective. This experience has had a long-lasting effect on me, and thus certainly made a positive contribution to my mental health.

WHAT BENEFITS, CHALLENGES AND LEARNINGS DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EXPERIENCE?

My verdict is entirely positive: This opportunity for a change of perspective is really worth its weight in gold and a super-big plus, especially if you're looking for a change in your everyday life and work. Plus, there's flexibility when it comes to vacation extensions and family visits abroad. However, depending on the country or your accommodation, the technical conditions can certainly be a challenge. Especially for virtual meetings, a stable Internet connection is essential. Would I choose a workation again? Definitely! This year, I’m considering Portugal to explore the culture and it's beaches.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR YOUR COLLEAGUES FOR THE FIRST WORKATION?

A private contact who can support you with language barriers and cultural differences is especially valuable. In order to meet more people and get to know the local working culture better, it is certainly advantageous to organize an external office space. After all, it's not always easy to get together with people outside of your job. Before starting work, you should also be sure to ask about the functionality and stability of the internet connection; you never know what the infrastructure in another country is like or if a service provider will be immediately available. If you are planning a workation, you should calculate your costs in advance. Depending on the accommodation, additional expenses may arise, since your apartment or room at home usually has to be paid for. In addition, there are travel costs and possible office costs on site. And, of course, make sure to check your insurance to ensure that all relevant insurance policies are also in place abroad.