Postcards from Workation

Skiing the Alps before work meetings? Solving tasks while sunbathing on a beach? Welcome to the world of “workations,” where work meets vacation, allowing to perform job duties from beautiful, inspiring destinations.

In this article, we talk with Mariya Tsvetanova, Staffing Manager from Exadel Bulgaria, and Maksim Verenich, Head of Learning and Development working at Exadel Warsaw. Discover their tips on staying productive and balancing work with adventure, all while enjoying the freedom to work from anywhere.

How do you manage your work responsibilities while on a workation?

I ensure I complete as many tasks as possible before the workation period begins, minimizing the workload. I prioritize and manage only essential meetings in my calendar. During the week in the French Alps, I strategically cleared my mornings, so I could hit the slopes early and enjoy skiing on fresh powder. By taking advantage of less crowded morning hours, I can return to work by 10:30 AM.

What helps you to stay on top of your tasks?

I employed Notion, making task prioritization convenient and facilitating team interaction. Trello is one of my favorites, too.

What tips would you give others considering a workation?

Consider careful planning at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Conduct thorough research on the destination, ensuring a stable internet connection and a quiet, work-friendly environment. Tackle any mundane or non-priority tasks from your backlog beforehand to avoid distractions during the workation, allowing for more enjoyable personal time. Additionally, schedule calendar blocks thoughtfully to prevent encroachment on your personal time.

Would you consider doing workation again?

Any destination with a nearby kitesurfing spot would be ideal for me. I also dream of visiting South Africa, and the fact that the time zone aligns closely with European time is a significant advantage.

How do you manage your work responsibilities while being on a workation?

The workation in Indonesia was relatively easy for me thanks to the 6-hour time difference. I adjusted my schedule to start working at 3 a.m. local time, so I dedicated the first part of the day to sightseeing and tourist activities. However, it became more difficult when the last meetings ended around 12 to 1 a.m., and I had to work in darkness for the better part of my workday.

What helps you to stay on top of your tasks?

I recommend finding a nice coworking space. My favorite one was in an open area, surrounded by serene rice fields. Surprisingly, my efficiency increased as I didn’t engage in coffee break chats with colleagues, and the natural surroundings provided ample opportunities for mental rejuvenation.

Would you consider doing workation again? Share your ideas for the future.

In addition to my trip to Hungary to experience the atmosphere of our Budapest office, I am contemplating exploring more exotic destinations like Sri Lanka and South Africa. South Africa’s time zone aligns with Warsaw, making it a convenient place to balance work and leisure during my stay.

What tips would you give others considering a workation?

Don’t be afraid,it can be a rewarding journey! Use your time management skills to plan activities that can easily be combined with work. Reserve the rest for pure vacation enjoyment. And try to keep a separate “Inspirations” notebook to jot down all your new workation ideas and experiences.