In the age of remote work, the lines between professional and personal life have become increasingly blurred. One rising trend that perfectly illustrates this is the phenomenon of “hush workations”—where employees use their vacation time to secretly work remotely without informing their employers. According to a recent survey by Marriott Vacations Worldwide, 29% of employees admit to doing exactly that, balancing their job responsibilities while they’re supposed to be unplugging.
But why are so many workers opting to blend work with what’s traditionally been a time for rest and relaxation? What motivates them to work on vacation, and what does this say about the current state of workplace culture? This blog will explore the answers in detail.
Defining “Hush Workations”
A “hush workation” refers to the practice of secretly working while on vacation, without notifying one’s employer. It’s a discreet blend of vacation and remote work, often done to stay on top of tasks or meet deadlines while still enjoying the perks of travel. This trend has gained traction as more employees find it difficult to fully disconnect from work, particularly in the post-pandemic world where remote work has become the norm.
The rise of hush workations is a reflection of the blurred boundaries between work and personal life, which have become increasingly fuzzy since the global shift to remote work. The flexibility of being able to work from anywhere—whether it’s a beachfront or a cabin in the mountains—has empowered employees to balance work with leisure. However, it has also made it harder for many to fully unplug, as the distinction between “work time” and “free time” becomes less defined. This growing trend highlights the evolving nature of work-life balance and how employees are navigating these new, often overlapping, roles.
Survey Findings: Understanding the Trend
Survey Overview
A recent survey conducted by OnePoll, involving 2,000 employed Americans, sheds light on the growing trend of mixing work with vacation. According to the survey, 29% of respondents admitted to secretly working during their vacations, while 52% revealed they would consider doing so if the situation arose. This data highlights a shift in how employees view time off, showing that many are willing to blur the lines between work and leisure to maintain their productivity or meet job demands.
Key Statistics
The survey also delves into the key motivations driving this behavior:
– Passion for Work: A notable 39% of respondents stated that they worked on vacation because they genuinely enjoy their job and don’t mind staying connected while away.
– Urgent Deadlines: For 28%, the pressure of important deadlines pushed them to work during their time off, prioritizing work obligations even during their scheduled breaks.
– Conserving Paid Time Off (PTO): Another 26% opted to work remotely to save their limited PTO, allowing them to still get the job done without sacrificing future vacation days.
When it comes to where people are working during these hush workations, the results were just as telling. 80% of respondents indicated they are open to working from hotels, with preferences ranging from hotel rooms (69%) to more casual spots like pools or bars (25% each). These findings show that employees are adapting to a flexible work culture, leveraging remote work opportunities to maintain both productivity and leisure.
Why Employees Work on Vacation
Passion for Work
For many employees, the line between work and vacation becomes blurred due to their deep passion for their jobs. In fact, 39% of workers who admitted to working on vacation said they do so because they genuinely love what they do. This level of enthusiasm often makes it difficult for them to fully disconnect, even when they’re supposed to be off the clock. Rather than seeing work as an obligation, these individuals view it as a source of fulfillment and engagement, making them more inclined to check emails or complete tasks, even while lounging by the pool or exploring a new city.
Deadlines and Urgency
For 28% of employees, urgent work deadlines that coincide with their vacation plans leave them no choice but to bring their work with them. In a fast-paced work environment, deadlines often clash with personal schedules, leaving workers juggling between relaxation and professional responsibilities. These employees often feel the pressure to meet expectations and deliver results, even if that means sacrificing their downtime. The fear of missing out on important deadlines or falling behind can push them to keep one foot in the workplace, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks while they’re away.
PTO Conservation
For another 26%, the decision to work remotely during vacation is motivated by a desire to conserve their precious paid time off (PTO). With many companies offering limited PTO, these employees try to maximize the use of their time off by continuing to work during trips, rather than taking complete breaks. By doing so, they believe they can save vacation days for future occasions while still taking care of pressing work matters. This strategy allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds—fulfilling their work responsibilities while still experiencing a change of scenery.
Interestingly, a study by Gusto found that remote workers are actually using less vacation time than their non-remote counterparts, suggesting that the flexibility of remote work might be contributing to this trend of working while on vacation.
Remote Work Culture: A Catalyst for Workations
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reshaped the way we work, accelerating the adoption of remote work across industries. As companies were forced to adapt to remote operations during lockdowns, employees quickly became accustomed to working from anywhere—be it home, a café, or even while traveling. This shift in work culture has played a significant role in the rise of “workations.” With the newfound ability to work remotely, many employees realized they no longer needed to be tethered to a physical office, even during vacations. This flexibility opened up opportunities for workers to combine leisure and work seamlessly, transforming traditional vacations into hybrid experiences where productivity doesn’t necessarily stop.
Balancing Work and Life
The pandemic also fueled a rethinking of work-life balance. As the boundaries between home and work blurred, so too did the concept of “time off.” The flexibility of remote work has empowered employees to create more fluid schedules, allowing them to manage personal and professional obligations more effectively. This growing flexibility has changed how employees approach vacations, with many seeing them as opportunities to both relax and stay productive. Whether it’s working a few hours a day or handling a pressing task while away, employees now have the freedom to define their own balance, adapting to the demands of their work without completely sacrificing downtime.
Popular Destinations for Remote Work While Vacationing
As the trend of combining work with vacation grows, certain locations have become popular among remote workers looking to stay productive while enjoying a break. Hotels are the top choice for many employees working on vacation, with 69% preferring to set up shop in their hotel rooms. These spaces provide a controlled, quiet environment with reliable Wi-Fi, making them ideal for handling work tasks while away. Beyond the hotel room, more adventurous employees also find leisure areas like **pools** and bars enticing workspaces, with 25% of respondents admitting to working in these relaxed settings. The ability to move from a laptop on the sun lounger to a quick swim is an appealing way to mix business with pleasure.
This blend of leisure and work reflects a larger shift in how people view both. More employees are taking advantage of their newfound flexibility to work from destinations that offer both relaxation and connectivity. From mountain retreats to beach resorts, the evolving trend of workations allows professionals to change up their surroundings without completely unplugging. As remote work becomes even more entrenched in workplace culture, we can expect to see more employees seeking out vacation spots that cater to both relaxation and productivity. Destinations that provide the infrastructure for remote work—like strong internet connections and comfortable workspaces—will likely continue to attract the growing number of workation enthusiasts.
Future of Workations
The trend of blending work with leisure through “workations” shows no signs of slowing down. As remote work continues to evolve, more employees are likely to embrace the flexibility it offers, merging vacations with professional obligations. With 29% of employees already engaging in hush workations and many more considering it, the practice could become a standard part of work culture in the years to come.
The ability to work from virtually anywhere allows employees to maintain productivity while exploring new environments, making it an appealing option for those who want the best of both worlds. A recent report by AllWork.Space reveals that nearly one-third of remote workers are taking secret vacations, further highlighting the growing popularity of this trend.
Survey data indicates that employees plan to take an average of 11 trips in 2024, reflecting the growing acceptance of combining work with travel. As companies continue to offer flexible work arrangements, employees will increasingly look for opportunities to take workations, using trips as a way to recharge without completely stepping away from their responsibilities. This blending of work and vacation could lead to a more dynamic, experience-based approach to work, where location is less important than the ability to meet deadlines and stay connected.
Conclusion
The rising trend of employees working remotely during vacations, or “hush workations,” stems from a mix of passion for their jobs, the pressure of urgent deadlines, and a desire to conserve paid time off. Survey findings reported by Yahoo! Life reveal that a significant portion of workers now blend work with leisure, using flexible remote work setups to stay productive even while on vacation. Whether working from hotels or by the pool, employees are finding ways to integrate their professional duties into their personal time away from the office.
This trend highlights a broader shift in workplace culture toward greater flexibility, driven by the growing acceptance of remote work. The traditional boundaries between work and personal life are blurring, with employees seeking a more fluid balance that allows them to stay connected while still enjoying their time off. As this trend continues, employers may need to rethink how they manage PTO policies and support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The New York Post reports that some companies are even encouraging this blend of work and vacation, recognizing the potential benefits for both employees and employers.
Encouraging full disconnection during vacations and providing clearer guidelines on remote work expectations can help ensure that employees recharge fully while preventing burnout. Ultimately, this evolution reflects the changing dynamics of the modern workplace, where flexibility is increasingly valued.
