Many have to be on site for their job, for example at the railways, the post office and in numerous service areas. But after the home office months, many office workers ask themselves why they should go back to business. Office jobs can not only be done from a distance in times of Corona. The first Swiss companies like Kuoni are now allowing employees to work from holiday resorts.
Whether on the beach, on another continent or in a place where you’ve always wanted to live: So-called “workation” stays for office workers can take place anywhere in the world. Workation is a term used in English that combines work and vacation, work and vacation. The travel company Kuoni, for example, now allows its employees to do this.
In accordance with Swiss law, Kuoni employees are allowed to work from abroad, like the “NZZ am Sonntag” reported. The tourism group is predestined for such work holidays. These should also make the travel provider attractive as an employer. Not only can you work on your own favorite beach or another favorite place. Workation stays are supported with low travel costs.
Sticking points of duration and time difference
Since this week, employees of the travel company Kuoni have been able to officially open their home office wherever they like, in accordance with Swiss law. “Over the past 18 months, we have already had positive experiences with flexible working models without any negative effects,” says Kuoni spokesman Markus Flick.
In principle, all employees whose job is home office-compatible are eligible for work holidays abroad. The only downer: work trips are limited to eight weeks and destinations in Europe are preferred because of the time difference.
Wincasa pioneer
The Chiasso-based travel company LM Group also wants to allow employees to work remotely – which, by the way, the real estate company Wincasa did last year. A whole team was sent to the Graubünden mountains for a workation and other similar projects followed. According to Wincasa HR Manager Ines Doherr, this also shows that remote work does not have to be carried out far away or restricted to a single person.
Wincasa is a pioneer in this field. Since 2019, even before Corona, 50 percent remote work has been allowed over the year. This, while the reservations in many Swiss executive suites are still great. Not all of them have a computer job. This can lead to tension in the company and to envy if part of the workforce suddenly does their work under palm trees. In August, SBB boss Vincent Ducrot (59) had to whistle back numerous employees who had logged in from abroad. There are employees in every holiday paradise, Ducrot is said to have complained.
The working world of the future
Workations have become an indispensable part of the world of work. Last but not least, attractive working conditions are an important factor in attracting talent. However, rules and goals are needed so that efficiency, performance and the feeling of togetherness within a company do not suffer, says Aurelie Litynski, an expert on job satisfaction and founder of the consulting firm Happitude at Work. If this succeeds, says Litynski, workations will “definitely become part of the work of the future”. (kes)