Picture this: Instead of your usual office desk and cubicle, you are watching the horizon, sunset in full view, at a beach while you work. Perhaps, you could even dip your toes in the water and listen to the calming sounds of the ocean waves.
For many employees longing for a change in environment, this setup sounds like a dream come true. The good news is that a “workation” can turn this idea into reality.
What Is a ‘Workation’?
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people only saw remote work as a temporary measure to avoid contracting the virus. Now, over two years later, more employees prefer working from home over returning to the office full-time. Forbes predicts that 25% of all professional jobs in North America will be done remotely by the end of 2022.
Our growing acceptance of the work-from-home model has led to the emergence of a new trend called “workation.” Blending “work” and “vacations,” this new setup takes full advantage of location flexibility. Employees can take a break from the traditional workspace and environment by working remotely somewhere new.
In one study, 94% of Americans say they plan on having a workation in 2022 and beyond. The same survey found that 82% of the employees who had a workation traveled domestically, while 18% chose international destinations as they worked remotely.
Is the ‘Workation’ Trend Catching On in the Philippines?
American workers aren’t the only ones trying out the “workation” trend. Workers in the Philippines have also been taking working vacations as more companies embrace hybrid or flexible arrangements.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that the “workation” trend isn’t new. Many Filipino freelance workers have embraced the “digital nomad” lifestyle of working remotely while simultaneously taking a vacation; The pandemic simply re-introduced the idea of “workations” to more workers.
The Philippine hospitality and accommodation industry has been improving its facilities to accommodate the growing popularity of workations in 2022. Airbnb, hotel, and resort owners have upgraded their place’s internet connections and made sure that remote workers have desks and chairs in their rooms.
Read More: Top 7 Workplace Trends in 2022 That Decision Makers Should Know
4 Reasons Why the ‘Workation’ Trend Is Becoming More Popular Among Employees
1. A Chance To Recharge
The COVID-19 outbreak brought challenges for workers all over the globe, leading many to experience burnout. Now that the world is starting to recover from the effects of the pandemic and the subsequent “The Great Resignation” movement, employees are looking for ways to de-stress, relax, and improve their work-life balance.
Going on a “workation” can be the perfect way for workers to relax and recharge without using their vacation time. Research has found that 64% of people want to go on a workation to restore their mental and emotional batteries. The simple act of going somewhere peaceful and serene can do wonders for someone’s mental health.
2. A Boost in Creativity
Changing your environment, even for only a short period, can help give you a boost in creativity. Research suggests that travel can broaden a person’s perspective by exposing them to new cultures and ways of thinking, enhancing their creative thinking.
Employees who feel stuck and unable to progress in specific projects or tasks can benefit from having a “workation.” Going to a different place and being exposed to new sights and sounds can help refresh the mind and allow creativity to take over as they work.
3. An Opportunity To Explore and Travel More Often
Most people know how beneficial traveling can be for personal growth. However, did you know that travel can also help make you a better worker?
Traveling to a new location can help employees develop essential skills to apply to their workplace. For instance, people who travel can improve their communication skills, especially navigating language and cultural barriers.
Individuals can also use travel to create connections with people from around the globe and build cultural competency, which can be valuable for diverse workplaces. By going on a “workation,” you can have more opportunities to travel, see new places, and meet new people.
4. An Escape From Daily Routine
Having structure and sticking to a daily routine works for many people. However, seeing and doing the same things every day can lead to boredom or burnout. And this is why having a “workation” can help employees escape their day-to-day routine and improve their overall health and well-being.
Opting for a “workation” arrangement can allow you to go outside your comfort zone without neglecting your job responsibilities. By leaving your everyday routine and trying something new, you can even learn to see your work in a new light, giving you renewed energy, focus, and zeal.
Why Choose Clark, Pampanga as Your Workation Destination
When going on a “workation,” the destination is an essential part of the deal. Ideally, your chosen location should strike a good balance between a stable working environment and an exciting travel destination. The Clark metropolitan area in Pampanga offers both of these things and more.
Working at the City of the Future
Metro Manila has always been the Philippines’ center for economic and business activity, but it has become increasingly congested. Therefore, the government has developed other areas to decongest the capital city and drive income to the provinces. The one with the most potential to rival Manila is the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.
Emerging Business District
Clark, Pampanga has a continually growing business district, making it an ideal “workation” destination for entrepreneurs and employees alike. Because of Clark’s status as a freeport zone, the area is highly attractive to foreign investors and multinational companies. A few examples of established businesses that have operations in Clark include Yokohama, Samsung, and Texas Instruments.
World-Class Infrastructure
Recently, efforts have been made to develop Pampanga further and transform it into “a jewel in Southeast Asia.” Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s “Pampanga Megalopolis” project would prioritize eco-friendly building infrastructures, new roads, mass transport systems, and other developments that will help create a cleaner, more livable, and work-friendly environment.
Strategic Location
Clark is a strategic location that is accessible via air (through the Clark International Airport), land (through NLEX and SCTEX), and sea (through the Subic seaport). This accessibility makes it easier for people to visit Clark for business or “workation” purposes.
Fiber-Optic Internet Connectivity
As one of the first provinces in the Philippines to have access to a fiber-optic internet connection, Clark can be ideal for employees going on a “workation.” The high-quality internet connection can allow workers to keep up their productivity and ensure smooth communication with co-workers and bosses even as they’re working remotely.
Exploring One of the Philippines’ Premier Food and Lifestyle Destinations
Pampanga is not only a great place to work; it is also known for being a fantastic tourist destination. So, going on a “workation” to Pampanga will be like hitting two birds with one stone.
The Next Big Food Destination
There’s a reason why Pampanga is known as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.” Kapampangan cuisine is a favorite among many Filipinos, combining fresh ingredients, innovative cooking styles, and mouthwatering flavors. From the famous sisig to the humble and heady bringhe, there are plenty of delicious dishes to try when you go on a “workation” in Pampanga.
Special Holidays and Tourist Attractions
If you choose Pampanga as your “workation” destination, you won’t run out of sights to see and activities to do on your off-time. Some of the most popular tourist spots in the region include Zoocobia, Sky Ranch, and Dinosaur Island. Special festivities, such as the Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival in January and February or the Giant Lantern Festival in December, are also sights to watch out for.
A Wealth of Hotels and Resorts
Pampanga has plenty of accommodation options for every budget, from no-frills lodging to luxury resorts. The Clark Freeport Zone, in particular, has hotels located near restaurants, transport hubs, and historical landmarks. Most rooms are spacious, comfortable, and perfect for “workation” travelers.
Thinking About Going On a ‘Workation’ in Pampanga?
Before you can start making your “workation” dreams come true, you’ll have to find and work for an employer that can make this arrangement possible, helping you have a dynamic and fulfilling career while also achieving work-life balance. SuperStaff is here to provide you with the personal and professional growth you deserve.
In a world with ever-changing work conditions and trends, SuperStaff is the company that adapts to the times, constantly innovating and meeting challenges head-on. Our workers are our greatest asset, so we invest in their training and provide the compensation and benefits they seek.
Contact us, and learn more about how we help our employees reach their full potential!
