Unlocking the Benefits of Workations: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Productivity and Team Success

A workation blends remote work with travel, letting you stay productive while you explore the world. Done well, it lifts creativity, focus and wellbeing, strengthens team connection, and feeds both personal and professional growth, without forcing a choice between your career and your life.

In today's world the lines between work and life have blurred. All primarily 'online' focussed roles have had a taste of freedom without sacrificing productivity if done well, for many even increasing it. The challenges seem to strike when it comes down to onboarding new employees and the connectivity of sparkling souls. Some might need an extra punch of energy to hit the ground running that day. However, long gone are the coffee chats on a five weekly base. Some miss the banter in between, others like to get their work done and focus on family, friends, time won by reducing commutes, or even travelling the world.

One thing is for sure, we are not going back to the old.

Left and right there is a lot of change happening, as even digital nomads are starting to settle down or navigate environmental responsibility by becoming slowmads. Workations are stepping into the life of those who are hybrid. Workations and retreats provide an answer to remote workers who are ready to step up their game, network, feed the hungry brain, and look for growth, answers and the next milestone. Freelancers and entrepreneurs go looking for the spark, a change of scenery while taking a step back and reconnecting to nature and core. Yet not to forget the importance of our creators, the creatives ready to receive that burst of inspiration once again, ready to serve the public.

This is where Driftawave, your workation partner, steps in: a concept that combines remote work with vacation. Not just a trend but a lifestyle shift that feeds the hungry soul, helps you explore the world, encounter yourself and those around you, and ever evolve your personal and professional growth without concessions being made on either side.

Fireside chat with Lara Lain, where travel and a career go hand in hand

Last week, during our workation in Saalbach, Austria, we had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful Lara Lain live from Wales for a fireside chat during our webinar "Workation: why and what are the benefits?" Now settled and happy with her horses and her boyfriend, she can still fill books with joy and endless excitement about travelling.

Lara Lain, spinning the waves of fortune

Lara Lain is a marketing award winning force of nature, a seasoned remote worker, career tiger and digital nomad since 2014. She embodies the spirit of this movement, with her travels focussed on energy, active sports and goal setting, while calling in balance for peace of mind. She always tries to get the most out of herself and the people around her. Lara pretty much embodies the phrase boundless opportunities.

How did she end up remote, and where would one go?

She had been working for Finder, an online publisher in Australia that understood the power of working from home long before the pandemic. Just before borders were about to shut down, she packed her bags and flew back home to Wales. As soon as she landed, she realised she wasn't ready. Her family thought differently due to current affairs, but Lara knew the right thing to do was moving to Spain. In fact, she flew out to the Canary Islands of Tenerife and Fuerteventura. If there is one other destination she holds close to her heart and highly recommends for the digital nomad lifestyle, it would be Bali.

As we are speaking, Lara is working for a company called BaseOne as a project manager, combined with being an executive assistant to the CEO and founder while taking on human resource tasks too. "It's so important to be working for a company where I can be myself."

The foundation of remote work

At the heart of successful remote work and workations lies a culture of trust and support. It drips down from C-level, where the culture breathes into its subcultures. The ability to work remotely, from anywhere, remains a privilege and requires discipline, combined with accountability, proper communication and 'open-door' policies within a set period.

When it comes to working remote and travelling, you need a team who supports it and a friendship group around you. It's important to have a team, or someone, who understands why you're doing it and what you are doing. "That's why I'm really supportive of what you're doing, Gina. So you're not just a wild card out of the blue just doing something."

Productivity is not defined between the four walls of a traditional office; it can flourish anywhere in the world within those lines. Because of the above, Lara was able to achieve her career goals while embracing the nomad lifestyle. In fact, she was working in a corporate role where the rules were not set out in detail. Everything was based on mutual respect.

Embarking on your first workation adventure

For those intrigued by the idea of a workation but unsure where to start, the journey begins with a single step. Start small, perhaps with a destination close to home, and gradually expand your horizons. Preparation is key; an organised trip can alleviate the anxiety of the unknown. Dream big, but pursue those dreams with a plan in hand.

Lara outlines that it's important to visit destinations of aspiration, together with people who are on the same line and mindset. Gina, our founder, points out that there are many different opportunities for travel and different goals, such as meeting friends, family and community, alongside personal growth, company strategies and longed for adventures that can be based on different types of activities.

One thing that never gets old: it's the people and spirit who make the place.

Productivity in paradise

Working remotely doesn't mean abandoning responsibilities; in fact, it requires discipline. Ensuring reliable internet access and finding conducive work environments are crucial, whether it's a home desk, a cosy cafe or a vibrant coworking space. You can even flourish from the back of your surf van while achieving the goals and tasks you set out for that day. A structured schedule amidst the freedom ensures that productivity remains high, even if your office for the day overlooks a sun drenched beach or a gorgeous ancient city calling the inner soul.

Workation benefits

Workations are more than a change of scenery; they are a conduit for inspiration, creativity and rejuvenation. They offer a unique blend of professional development and cultural immersion, allowing individuals to grow their careers while experiencing the world.

The connections made with fellow nomads, remote and hybrid workers, entrepreneurs, freelancers and creatives are swift and meaningful, creating a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for exploration and achievement.

A supportive company culture was never more important

The success of workations and remote work heavily relies on the company's culture. Open communication and mutual understanding between employees and leadership are fundamental. A supportive environment, where the needs of both parties are respected, paves the way for a harmonious balance between work and wanderlust.

Safety remains an important topic. When venturing into unknown corners, remember to stay connected within safe boundaries of civilisation while being abroad. "I've worked from places where I thought one could trip over and not be found for two days. That's not something I would recommend."

How long should a workation last?

The beauty of workations lies in their flexibility. There is no prescribed duration; some may find ease, growth and happiness in a week long retreat, while others may embark on months long voyages. The key is to listen to your needs and capabilities, allowing the experience to enrich you without overwhelming you. In conclusion, workations represent a bold step towards a more fulfilling professional and personal life. They challenge the conventional, inspire the weary, and offer a glimpse into a world where work and play not only coexist but thrive together.

Driftawave invites you to soar beyond limits on this journey through its pioneering spirit, promising an adventure that's as enriching as it is exhilarating.

So, why wait? The world is vast, and your desk awaits, wherever you may choose it to be.

What does the future of workations look like?

The webinar is a testament to the transformative potential of workations. As more individuals and companies recognise the benefits of this flexible work model, we are likely to see a continued rise in its popularity.

Workations represent not just a trend but a movement towards a more liberated, productive and fulfilling work life balance. Whether you are a seasoned digital nomad or contemplating your first workation, the journey towards blending work with adventure promises to be as rewarding as it is enlightening.

How did we meet Lara Lain?

When working as the marketing manager for A.J. Hackett, she didn't leave any moment out in the open to connect people while creating opportunity to scale A.J. Hackett, the first ever commercial bungy jump, to 360 degree marketing exposure. You would land in the airport and get thrilled, enter Cairns to walk into a billboard, and connect with us travel consultants who were engaged with the brand. Did someone say follower ads?

We will not forget those 6am bungy photoshoots in the jungle overlooking the Great Barrier Reef. Even more magical looking back at the whole setting.

Lara Lain at times of being the Marketing Manager of A.J. Hackett.