Taking a workcation: How to make the best of your time away from the office

There's no refuting that the old-style 9-5 workday can be a slog. Relentlessly, you sit in the same spot, stare at the same screen, and carry out the same activities. So it's no wonder if you feel stuck in a rut.

But what if you can break out of the dull office routine without losing income or damaging your career? The answer might be a workcation.

A workcation is an opportunity for employees to take a break from their everyday office while working from another location; it could be anything from a café for an afternoon to another city for a week.

A vital aspect of a successful workcation is balancing work and enjoyment. After all, the idea is to take a breather from your usual toil and re-energize. Having said that, you will still need to maintain productivity.

These practical tips will help you make the best of your workcation:

Set ground rules at work

Of course, you need to get your boss to agree to you taking a workcation, so ask before setting off into the blue yonder. Discuss how long your workcation will be, what your employer expects from you during your time away from the office, and how and when you should keep in touch.

Choose your destination wisely

Regarding your workcation destination choice, there are a few things to remember. First, you want to pick a place where you're happy to work and find helpful for productivity. Your immediate choice could be to opt to settle in your favorite coffeehouse. But consider whether you'll be able to get down to work or may face numerous interruptions from friends who like to frequent your chosen spot, too; they'll interrupt your workflow.

Consider whether you need to find a location close to your base, or suppliers and clients, too, and bear your budget in mind. After all, you won't be charged a penny to sit in a library and work, but you might be expected to buy numerous cups of coffee in a café if you plan to stay for a long time.

Second, you want to ensure the location is conducive to productivity; this means finding a place with good internet connectivity and a comfortable work environment. So, you will probably want a workstation with a comfortable chair, a table at the right height for working on your computer, and free, reliable Wi-Fi.

Pack everything you need

Unlike at the office, the materials and data you need to complete jobs won't automatically be close to hand at your workcation spot. So consider which tools, files, and other materials you must have available for work and pack them into a bag before heading to your remote workplace.

Consider safety

Doubtless, you'll be secure in a public workcation spot, but bear in mind the safety of expensive equipment like your laptop and monitor it. You don't want an opportunist to nab it when you pop into the bathroom or join a service queue.

A workcation might be just the thing to help you maintain motivation at work. It can leave you refreshed and relaxed, so you're happy to return to the office when your mini-break away is over. Consider the tips mentioned, and your temporary workspace change will likely be valuable and fun.