Many Britons are planning to combine work and holiday this summer as flexible working policies grow.
Discover how ‘work from anywhere’ practices are changing holiday dynamics and impacting employee retention and productivity.
Changing Holiday Dynamics
Holidays have traditionally been about sun, sea, and relaxation. Many Britons are adding spreadsheets to the mix. Over six million employees plan to work from the beach as flexible working practices become increasingly popular.
Rise of ‘Work from Anywhere’ Policies
Research reveals that a third of workers are now employed by companies with ‘work from anywhere’ policies. This allows them to log in from overseas for part of the year. Approximately half of these employees — equating to six million people — intend to work while on holiday.
However, this trend isn’t universally welcomed by those remaining in the office. One in five staff members find it irritating when colleagues join virtual meetings from scenic locations like the beach or poolside.
Challenges in Productivity and Time-Zone Differences
Nearly a quarter of employees suspect that those working from anywhere do not maintain the same productivity levels as those in the UK. Time-zone differences also present challenges.
A quarter of staff report that overseas colleagues sometimes miss deadlines due to their location.
Meanwhile, flexible working practices, which expanded significantly during the pandemic, have been retained by many employers due to the tight labour market in the UK.
Employer Perspectives
The research, commissioned by MoneySuperMarket, indicates that work-from-anywhere policies can enhance employee retention and productivity. Nearly a third of employees believe such policies boost their productivity.
Natasha Hatherall Shawe, from marketing company TishTash, encourages her team to work abroad for up to four weeks a year. She stated, ‘Employees should have the freedom to work from anywhere.’ If you don’t trust them to be productive regardless of location, then you shouldn’t have hired them.
Generation Z and Remote Working
Younger employees, particularly from Generation Z, value the flexibility to work abroad. They prioritise work-life balance and the opportunity to travel.
Shawe noted, ‘We’ve had team members working from Bali, Australia, the Philippines, and across the UK.’ Additional research suggests that enthusiasm for remote working peaks during the summer months.
Flexa found that job searches for ‘work from anywhere’ opportunities increased by 86% in spring compared to winter.
Employer Concerns
Despite the popularity among employees, many employers remain cautious about work-from-anywhere policies. Concerns about maintaining cultural connection, team camaraderie, and effective communication are prevalent.
Lisa Townsend, Chief People Officer at the MONY Group, expressed pride in their policy. ‘We allow our team to work from a different location once or twice a year.’
She added, ‘This flexibility enables some to experience new cultures or visit loved ones, while others find it helps balance work and home life.’
Conclusion
The rise in flexible working is reshaping traditional holiday dynamics. Employees are now blending work with leisure.
Work-from-anywhere policies not only boost employee retention and productivity, but also adapt to evolving work habits. Despite some challenges, the trend continues to grow.
As flexible working evolves, both employees and employers must adapt to new norms. The trend of working from anywhere is here to stay.
