For years it was thought that technology would make business travel obsolete, but as anyone who has had to suffer through a videoconference with a bad connection will probably agree, sometimes, face to face interaction can’t be replaced.
In recent years, the landscape of work and travel has been evolving and intersecting in exciting ways. Two travel opportunities that are gaining traction are “bleisure”—the blend of business and leisure travel—and “workcation”, which involves working while on vacation.
With more professionals embracing remote work and organisations supporting flexibility of working arrangements and redefining what “being at work” looks like, these concepts are not just fads; they are reshaping how we think about our work-life balance.
According to a report from Expedia Group, 60 per cent of business travellers have extended their trips for leisure, demonstrating that many are eager to combine work and play.i Moreover, a survey found that 86 per cent of remote workers expressed interest in travelling while working, signalling a significant appetite for this lifestyle.ii
The appeal of bleisure and workcations
So, what makes these trends so enticing? From a financial standpoint, both employees and employers stand to benefit. For instance, by returning on a Tuesday during the day instead of a Friday evening and taking a few days off; the return flight may be cheaper (since mid-week flights are usually the least expensive) and the employee only has to pay for the extra accommodation days.
The environmental benefits are another aspect. By decreasing the number of flights taken, organisations contribute to lower carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals that are increasingly important today.
Plus, supporting bleisure and workcations cultivates a positive workplace culture. When employees feel that their organisation values work-life balance, they’re more likely to stick around. Higher satisfaction translates to better retention, creating a loyal and motivated team.
And finally, beyond the excitement of spending time in a different location, there’s also mental health and productivity benefits for employees, with a study finding that experiencing new places can enhance creativity and improve problem-solving skills.iii
Tips for managing work and play
While the idea of blending work and leisure sounds delightful, managing this effectively requires some thoughtful planning and care when you are in the swing of things.
Set clear boundaries: Before you embark on your trip, be clear on your work commitments. Designate specific work hours and stick to them. This helps ensure that your leisure time is truly enjoyable and free from work distractions. Note that bleisure doesn’t necessarily mean squeezing in a few days around a business trip, it can also mean just taking advantage of the fact that you are in another city to go to a show or try a new restaurant after the work is done for the day.
Budget wisely: Keeping track of expenses is crucial. Use separate credit cards for business and personal spending, so there is no possibility of a personal expense getting mixed up with work costs (and vice versa). If that’s not feasible, then keep detailed records and receipts daily so you can submit expense reports correctly once back. Apps like Expensify or Mint can be useful to log your costs and categorize them.
The ATO continues to focus on work-related and personal travel expenses at tax time to ensure people are not ‘double-dipping’ when claiming expenses.
Remember, many companies cover travel costs but understanding what’s reimbursable is key to avoiding surprises when you are back.
Stay organised: Make sure you have the right tools to work efficiently while on the go. A reliable laptop, mobile hotspot, and noise-cancelling headphones can enhance your productivity. Also, check the local Wi-Fi situation before you arrive to avoid any connectivity issues.
Prioritise self-care: It’s easy to over-schedule your days with work and activities and when you are juggling work it can make for a frenetic pace. Make sure to carve out time for rest and relaxation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or take an afternoon stroll. Balancing work with downtime is essential for maintaining energy and focus.
So, next time you book a business trip, consider how you could transform it into a bleisure adventure or extend your next holiday and include a productive workcation. After all, life is too short not to mix a little work with a bit of play!
i The return of business travel, and the rise of the flexcation | Expedia Group
ii Balancing Work And Vacation For Optimal Career Performance | Forbes
iii How Travelling Can Boost Your Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills | paddl
