• MDI
  • German version
  • Contact us
MDI Management Development
  • Agile leadership
  • Lateral Leadership
  • Leadership Impact
  • Leadership Development
Select Page
Workation evaluation – lessons we have learned so far

Workation evaluation – lessons we have learned so far

by Jana Wölfl | Nov 28, 2022 | Agile Leadership, Best Practice, MDI Inside | 0 comments

Vacation during working hours seems like a dream – but is it really?

We provide a workation evaluation, weigh the pros and cons and look at the lessons we have learned so far.

* Workation evaluation – Lessons Learned so far

Workation – Work and Vacation – has become a popular tool in recent years for companies to give employees a little relief. After all, who doesn’t want to escape the gray daily work life for a few weeks?

In this article, you’ll learn a little more about what we have learned from our workation experiences so far, and what possible consequences it could entail.

Work on vacation

At first glance, it seems strange to put the two words work and vacation together. Normally, when we are on vacation, we don’t want to think about our job, we want to switch off.

In the past, digital nomads in particular, i.e. remote workers, were not tied to a specific workplace. But in the age of digitalization and technological progress, more employees get the opportunity – regardless of the industry – to work from somewhere else.

Workation is about escaping your work routine.

For a limited time, employees can travel to a specific country and do their work from there. Whether from the beach, a big city or the mountains – the location doesn’t matter. The only important thing is that the Internet connection is stable enough and that the agreed times are adhered to. The rest is mostly up to the employees.

Is all that glitters gold?

Workation evaluation – Lessons Learned so far

Vacation during working hours seems like a dream at first. But is this concept really ideal? We weigh the pros and cons.

Pros:

  • The advantages are obvious. You discover new places and experience a different culture.
  • In addition to the usual work tasks, you can relax a little.
  • Change of scenery: Everyone needs a change from the usual four office walls.
  • Travel stimulates creativity. New impulses arise from new impressions.
  • Flexibility – employees are free to decide where they want to work from.
  • Traveling with other team members can additionally be a good way to get to know each other better and build a stronger team

2022 Facts and figures about workation

Clearly, the concept of Workation is extremely attractive to employees.

But we also come across some benefits for companies themselves. According to statistics from workation.com

  • 93% of employees are more productive than before.
  • This increases the performance of remote working by 20% overall.
  • In turn, the company saves per remote employee $11,000 per year.
  • In addition, 86% of Millennials want more flexibility in the workplace.
  • Workation can be a great solution to create more agility and increase employee satisfaction.

Cons:

  • Complete relaxation is not guaranteed. You probably think about work most of the time and so you can’t switch off completely. Especially when your job is hectic and you have a lot to do it’s hard to enjoy the vacation part of workation.
  • Your technical equipment – laptop, cables, etc. – adds extra baggage.
  • If the Internet connection is not stable, you can hardly do your job.

Maintaining a better work-life balance with workation

In the end, however, it is worth giving the concept of workation a chance. In most cases, employees return more relaxed and can continue working with renewed energy. Complications can’t be avoided, but after all, they also arise during normal travel.

We at MDI have already tested workation ourselves. If you want to know how it went, you can read about it here 🙂

  • Third Workplace – Can you really work from anywhere?
  • Third Workplace – a plea for more flexibility

What serves you next?

From Lab to Practice: What We Learned With AI

by Rafael Ungvari | 3. September 2025 | Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI, Short Knowledge Bits | 0 Comments

From Lab to Practice: What We Learned With AI Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click here to access our AI-generated audio version! From Lab to Practice: What We Learned With AI AI in organizations isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. And in people development,...
Read More

The Lasting Impact of Leadership Horizon – Meike’s Perspectives

by Meike Hinnenberg | 2. July 2025 | Leadership Impact, MDI Inside, Short Knowledge Bits | 0 Comments

The Lasting Impact of Leadership Horizon - Meike's Perspectives Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!The Lasting Impact of Leadership Horizon - Meike's Perspectives MDI’s Meike Hinnenberg shares her reflections...
Read More

Leadership and AI: Between Responsibility and Opportunity

by Marina Begic | 6. May 2025 | Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI, Leadership Tips | 0 Comments

Leadership and AI: Between Responsibility and Opportunity Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!Leadership and AI: Between responsibility and opportunity Artificial intelligence is no longer a pipe dream – it is...
Read More

AI Hears; Humans Listen: Become a Master of Attunement

by Hamza Khan | 18. April 2025 | Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI, Leadership in the digital transformation | 0 Comments

AI Hears; Humans Listen: Become a Master of Attunement Prefer to listen to the article? Click below to access our AI speech-generated audio. However, if you want to read it as usual, keep scrolling.AI Hears; Humans Listen: Become a Master of Attunement Not Black...
Read More

Success Through Change: How to Stay Oriented During Transitions

by Anita Berger | 14. April 2025 | Impuls series, Leadership Impact, Leadership Tips | 0 Comments

Success Through Change: How to Stay Oriented During Transitions Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version:Success Through Change: How to Stay Oriented During Transitions Change processes often involve challenges....
Read More

4 Tips on How to Shape Change Processes as a Leader

by Anita Berger | 3. April 2025 | Impuls series, Leadership Impact, Leadership Tips | 0 Comments

4 Tips on How to Shape Change Processes as a Leader Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version:4 Tips on How to Shape Change Processes as a Leader Imagine a dynamic network of paths that is constantly changing. While...
Read More

AI Transformation: How Companies Need to Adapt

by Gunther Fürstberger | 12. February 2025 | Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI, Leadership Tips | 0 Comments

AI transformation: how companies and leaders need to adapt Economic history repeatedly shows how technological leaps revolutionize entire industries. 150 years ago, sailing ships dominated world trade, while steamships were only used on lakes and rivers. But within 30...
Read More

Mastering Communication: The Why, How, and What

by Marcin Swierkocki | 14. January 2025 | Agile Leadership, Leadership Tips, Short Knowledge Bits | 0 Comments

Mastering Communication: The Why, How, and What Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!Mastering Communication: The Why, How, and What Have you ever heard an employee say something like, "I won't be able to meet...
Read More

Step by Step to Success with AI-Powered Solutions

by Marina Begic | 31. October 2024 | Best Practice, Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI | 0 Comments

Step by Step to Success with AI-supported Solutions Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!Step by Step to Success with AI-supported Solutions A successful AI transformation in human resources development does not...
Read More

The ARS Seminar: Lateral Leadership and AI Role-Playing

by Gunther Fürstberger | 23. August 2024 | Digital Transformation, Leadership in the digital transformation, MDI Inside | 0 Comments

The ARS Seminar: Lateral Leadership and AI Role-Playing Immerse yourself in the world of lateral leadership with us and experience realistic role-playing with state-of-the-art AI technology! These methods bring a breath of fresh air to the world of leadership...
Read More

Third Workplace – A Plea for More Flexibility

Third Workplace – A Plea for More Flexibility

by Aline Deporter | Sep 20, 2022 | Best Practice, Leadership Tips, MDI Inside | 0 comments

Third Workplace – A plea for more flexibility

And here I am, sitting in Croatia, on the decked patio, at the dining table with my work laptop and a sleeping cat – that came with the all-inclusive holiday home ?

Work from Anywhere

Spontaneously I decided in the morning to have a “Work from Anywhere” day instead of my current holiday day – because the weather is not looking inviting. Instead, I put my holiday day on next Monday. With bright sunshine, a day at the beach is simply more fun and the relaxation factor is much higher.

Transparent communication

Luckily, our CEO feels the same way – one WhatsApp message later, the plan is set. Partner and holiday companions have flown out, so the necessary rest is guaranteed. Let’s get started!

I immediately informed our team via Microsoft Teams message @all – about the changes in my availability. When you are not visibly on site, transparent communication is all the more important. Some team members quickly took the opportunity to clarify urgent issues with me.

About Aline

Aline joined MDI in 2020 as a Marketing Manager with over 10 years of B2B marketing experience. She is primarily responsible for the overall coordinated organisation of MDI’s advertising activities and the management of marketing projects. This includes, among others, the MDI Business Unit SDI as well as Leadership Horizon and personalist.at. Aline is a strong marketing all-rounder with a passion for leadership development, digital transformation and event organisation.

In this article, Aline shares her personal experiences and some “Third Place Working” learnings.

What do I need to work effectively from anywhere?

  • A good internet connection (this is probably not a big surprise). It’s best to clarify the internet performance again by phone or email directly before you go on holiday
  • Shade when working outdoors. That way the laptop screen is not blinding
  • An extension cable (sounds trivial, but this way you can really work from anywhere)
  • If you have the possibility of renting a holiday home/hotel room with a furnished workstation or at least a PC screen, it’s even better
  • Think of enough screen breaks
  • A certain time structure and work packages with breaks
  • Water, coffee, refreshments of choice

Get to know your own working style

Personally, fewer distractions are better for me. By that I mean children, family, friends, etc. In other words, people who are not working with me at the same time. Because I am definitely a “people person”. If other people who are not working talk to me frequently, I get distracted more quickly.

So my tip here would be: get to know your own working style. I am very creative, for example, in moving forms of transport (plane, train, bus, car, etc.) or when things are happening passively around me (coffee, park, waiting room, etc.).

It shouldn’t be too quiet for me. I love music in the background and vary the style of music according to the motivation I need (chill out always works, classical music helps me to concentrate, 90s songs motivate me and encourage me to sing along loudly).

It’s also good to have several seating options so that you can remain at least somewhat ergonomic. A pool to cool down and get some exercise in between is of course a big plus. But a yoga mat or a short walk will also do.

Pro Tip – Coworking Spaces:

If there is little/no opportunity to work quietly or more ergonomically, look for co-working spaces (with daily or weekly rates) in your area. There are now an increasing number of them. Apart from the better quality of work, you can network during breaks and make new, exciting contacts.

In my area, currently Pula, there is for example the Club Kotac with free admission, air conditioned, fast internet (30/20 Mbit/s), 10-18h Mon – Fri. A great alternative!

Currently, however, I don’t want to abandon the cat, so I’ll stay ? .

There are already some search tools to help you with your quest here:

  • coworker.com
  • coworkbooking.com
  • heydesk.com
  • instantoffices.com
  • desksnear.me
  • coworkingnomads.com

Flexibility as a motivating factor for work?

Employer Attractiveness – Trends and Tendencies

By coincidence, the new issue of Personalmanager is lying next to me at the moment. The main theme of the issue is “Employer Attractiveness”.

So, what makes an employer attractive to me?

I don’t have to think about that at all: definitely high flexibility, personal responsibility, fair compensation as well as opportunities for further development, the team and the common purpose. If you look at the latest surveys on this topic, then I am not alone in this.

Needs of Gen Z & Millenials

Deloitte surveyed 23,000 Gen Z’s and Millennials about their workplace experience. The strongest topics communicated were purpose & financial security. Due to the current global situation, both generations are worried and uncertain. This has an impact on loyalty. Almost 40% (Generation Z) want to leave their job in the next 2 years.

As an employer, you should take a closer look here. Flexible working hours & locations, purpose as well as fair remuneration should be at the top of the list of must-haves.

The Hybrid Work Concept

We at MDI have been embracing the hybrid work concept, also known as the synchronous hybrid model, for some time now. Our team likes to work this way and, according to a study by Cisco, it is also very popular with other employees.

Specifically, this means a mixture of office, home office and third workplace (on the road). MDI’s hybrid work concept currently includes 60% office, 40% home office and 3 weeks third workplace (e.g. workation). I combine one week of this with a week’s holiday in Croatia, for example. The other two weeks will be spent by two other MDI colleagues and me in Greece (Rhodes). This strengthens team bonds and increases the motivation to work on location.

Open and authentic corporate culture

Of course, the respective work concept has to fit the company. The larger, the more organisationally complex.

The right way will look different for every organisation. However, I think it is important to have a clear, open and authentic corporate culture.

Potential new employees should know exactly which working concept applies and which working modalities have to be dealt with. That way, they can get a clear picture of the future work in advance. As a company, this can also reduce the fluctuation rate.

Trust & Flexibility –
Third Workplace – A plea for more flexibility

I nevertheless plead (where possible) for more flexibility. As an organisation and/or leader, have the courage to trust – because flexibility boosts mutual trust.

In my opinion, employees should be given the highest possible flexibility in order to even be able to fulfil their role as a strong and reliable member of the team.

From my own experience, I can report that this increases motivation and loyalty immensely. And sometimes all it takes is a simple WhatsApp message …

What serves you next?

From Lab to Practice: What We Learned With AI

by Rafael Ungvari | 3. September 2025 | Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI, Short Knowledge Bits | 0 Comments

From Lab to Practice: What We Learned With AI Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click here to access our AI-generated audio version! From Lab to Practice: What We Learned With AI AI in organizations isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. And in people development,...
Read More

The Lasting Impact of Leadership Horizon – Meike’s Perspectives

by Meike Hinnenberg | 2. July 2025 | Leadership Impact, MDI Inside, Short Knowledge Bits | 0 Comments

The Lasting Impact of Leadership Horizon - Meike's Perspectives Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!The Lasting Impact of Leadership Horizon - Meike's Perspectives MDI’s Meike Hinnenberg shares her reflections...
Read More

Leadership and AI: Between Responsibility and Opportunity

by Marina Begic | 6. May 2025 | Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI, Leadership Tips | 0 Comments

Leadership and AI: Between Responsibility and Opportunity Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!Leadership and AI: Between responsibility and opportunity Artificial intelligence is no longer a pipe dream – it is...
Read More

AI Hears; Humans Listen: Become a Master of Attunement

by Hamza Khan | 18. April 2025 | Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI, Leadership in the digital transformation | 0 Comments

AI Hears; Humans Listen: Become a Master of Attunement Prefer to listen to the article? Click below to access our AI speech-generated audio. However, if you want to read it as usual, keep scrolling.AI Hears; Humans Listen: Become a Master of Attunement Not Black...
Read More

Success Through Change: How to Stay Oriented During Transitions

by Anita Berger | 14. April 2025 | Impuls series, Leadership Impact, Leadership Tips | 0 Comments

Success Through Change: How to Stay Oriented During Transitions Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version:Success Through Change: How to Stay Oriented During Transitions Change processes often involve challenges....
Read More

4 Tips on How to Shape Change Processes as a Leader

by Anita Berger | 3. April 2025 | Impuls series, Leadership Impact, Leadership Tips | 0 Comments

4 Tips on How to Shape Change Processes as a Leader Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version:4 Tips on How to Shape Change Processes as a Leader Imagine a dynamic network of paths that is constantly changing. While...
Read More

AI Transformation: How Companies Need to Adapt

by Gunther Fürstberger | 12. February 2025 | Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI, Leadership Tips | 0 Comments

AI transformation: how companies and leaders need to adapt Economic history repeatedly shows how technological leaps revolutionize entire industries. 150 years ago, sailing ships dominated world trade, while steamships were only used on lakes and rivers. But within 30...
Read More

Mastering Communication: The Why, How, and What

by Marcin Swierkocki | 14. January 2025 | Agile Leadership, Leadership Tips, Short Knowledge Bits | 0 Comments

Mastering Communication: The Why, How, and What Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!Mastering Communication: The Why, How, and What Have you ever heard an employee say something like, "I won't be able to meet...
Read More

Step by Step to Success with AI-Powered Solutions

by Marina Begic | 31. October 2024 | Best Practice, Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI | 0 Comments

Step by Step to Success with AI-supported Solutions Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!Step by Step to Success with AI-supported Solutions A successful AI transformation in human resources development does not...
Read More

The ARS Seminar: Lateral Leadership and AI Role-Playing

by Gunther Fürstberger | 23. August 2024 | Digital Transformation, Leadership in the digital transformation, MDI Inside | 0 Comments

The ARS Seminar: Lateral Leadership and AI Role-Playing Immerse yourself in the world of lateral leadership with us and experience realistic role-playing with state-of-the-art AI technology! These methods bring a breath of fresh air to the world of leadership...
Read More

Third Workplace – can you really work from anywhere?

Third Workplace – can you really work from anywhere?

by Anja Franzmeyer | Aug 22, 2022 | Best Practice, MDI Inside | 0 comments

Third Workplace: Can you really work from anywhere?

You don’t need a crystal ball to know one thing: The future world of work is flexible!

Whether home office, workation, third workplace or work from anywhere:

As a company today, you have to be willing to experiment and remain open to trying new things. At MDI, we always strive to maximize our team development and the possibilities of hybrid working! That’s why in spring 2022, we introduced the possibility of 3 weeks of workation / third place working for the entire MDI team. 

How this has been managed so far and whether you can really work from anywhere is discussed by Anja, one of our project managers:

About Anja

Since December 2021, Anja has been successfully working as a project manager at MDI. She ensures the smooth running and organization of a variety of international leadership trainings.

Anja is a true world explorer #globetrotter. She loves to travel and most of the time she even does it on her own. Culinary and culture are at the top of her list of preferences. She also photographs and documents her experiences on Instagram.

Experience Review:

Work from anywhere: Can you really work from anywhere?

Office, home office, third place working – there are more and more options that companies can offer their employees to pursue their work. For many, like me, being able to work from the home office is still a privilege. Also, having the freedom to work from anywhere in the world is nothing short of a miracle – provided the internet connection holds up.

Where is your Comfort Zone?

Even though I appreciate the possibility to work from home, I tend to go to the office – a clear separation between work and private life, a wonderful team and the possibility to talk to others personally – even about private things – lure me there every day and sweeten my workday. All the more surprising was my own reaction when I got the opportunity for Workation – excitement!

Workation – but from where?

As soon as the opportunity was communicated to us – the team – I started making plans with my friends who live abroad. Especially with longer distances it is more difficult to visit for a weekend or to take time off at the same time. With the possibility of Third Place Working, we could continue to pursue our work, but enjoy the end of the day and weekends together – just like before.

Reality Check – Third Workplace
Can you really work from anywhere?

A perfect plan, right? But before I dare to try Workation outside of Austria, I did a trial run and nestled myself in my family’s home in Upper Austria for a few days to work. My sister and I have done home office together before and it worked out wonderfully.

This time, however, I was on my own and it turned out to be quite a bit more difficult to maintain the boundaries that had been set up with respect to those who were not at work. It turned out to be very tempting to go down to the garden or stop by for a coffee after all.

My experience

As much as I enjoyed being with my family for a few days, I found for me that I can concentrate better when I work together with others – location independent.

Note: Third Place Working is not possible for every position in a company, so offering Workation adds a bit more planning for the individual and the possibility of an imbalance in the team.

What serves you next?

How to Build a Psychological Safety Net at Work

by Florian Biedermann | 28. August 2025 | Best Practice, Leadership Tips, Short Knowledge Bits | 0 Comments

How to Build a Psychological Safety Net at Work Would you like to listen to this article?  Click here to access our AI-generated audio version! Have fun listening ;)How to Build a Psychological Safety Net at Work Some of you might recognize these situations at work:...
Read More

The Lasting Impact of Leadership Horizon – Meike’s Perspectives

by Meike Hinnenberg | 2. July 2025 | Leadership Impact, MDI Inside, Short Knowledge Bits | 0 Comments

The Lasting Impact of Leadership Horizon - Meike's Perspectives Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!The Lasting Impact of Leadership Horizon - Meike's Perspectives MDI’s Meike Hinnenberg shares her reflections...
Read More

AI in Leadership in 2025: Impressions from Leadership Horizon

by Christoph Wirl | 1. July 2025 | Leadership and AI, MDI Inside, Short Knowledge Bits | 0 Comments

AI in Leadership in 2025: Impressions from Leadership Horizon You want to listen to this article? You can find an AI-generated version here: AI in Leadership in 2025: Impressions from Leadership Horizon Christoph wrote this article for his print magazine, Magazin...
Read More

MDI’s Leadership Lab: Unlocking the Future of Leadership Training

by Florian Biedermann | 25. March 2025 | Leadership and AI, Leadership in the digital transformation, MDI Inside | 0 Comments

MDI's Leadership Lab: Unlocking the Future of Leadership Training Would you like to listen to this article?  Click here to access our AI-generated audio version! Have fun listening ;)MDI's Leadership Lab: Unlocking the Future of Leadership Training The world of...
Read More

No Success Without Diversity: Why It Matters

by ARS Academy, MDI | 5. February 2025 | Best Practice, Leadership and AI, Leadership Tips | 0 Comments

No Success without Diversity: Why it Matters Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version! No Success without Diversity: Why it Matters The world of work is facing major challenges – from economic uncertainty and the...
Read More

Challenges and Solutions for Leadership in 2025

by MDI & ARS Academy | 14. January 2025 | Best Practice, Leadership in the digital transformation, Leadership Tips | 0 Comments

Challenges and Solutions for Leadership in 2025 Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!Leadership challenges and solutions in 2025 In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, companies and their leaders face...
Read More

Self-Leadership: Harnessing the Power Within

by Meike Hinnenberg | 17. December 2024 | Best Practice, Leadership Tips, Short Knowledge Bits | 0 Comments

Self-Leadership: Harnessing the Power Within Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!Self-Leadership: Harnessing the Power Within In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, we often lack control over external...
Read More

The Right Questions at The Right Time – Thinking From Within!

by Marcin Swierkocki | 9. December 2024 | Leadership Tips, MDI Inside, Training Insights | 0 Comments

The Right Questions at The Right Time – Thinking From Within! Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!The Right Questions at the Right Time – Thinking From Within! It is not easy to find oneself in a world based on...
Read More

Efficiency with AI in Leadership Development

by Gunther Fürstberger | 31. October 2024 | Best Practice, Leadership and AI, MDI Inside | 0 Comments

Efficiency with AI in Leadership Development Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!Efficiency with AI in Leadership Development Perhaps the first AI hype is already over, but it paves the way for a more realistic...
Read More

Step by Step to Success with AI-Powered Solutions

by Marina Begic | 31. October 2024 | Best Practice, Digital Transformation, Leadership and AI | 0 Comments

Step by Step to Success with AI-supported Solutions Do you prefer to listen to this article? Click below to access our AI-generated audio version!Step by Step to Success with AI-supported Solutions A successful AI transformation in human resources development does not...
Read More

Information

  • Imprint
  • MDI company website

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn

© MDI Management Development Institute, 2020