Are you ready to embrace the new trend of the “hush workcation”? It seems nearly one-third of Americans are already hopping on board, admitting to working remotely while on vacation without their bosses knowing.
A recent poll of 2,000 individuals, evenly divided between travelers and hotel workers, revealed some interesting insights. Over half of employed Americans see their vacation travels as an opportunity to work remotely, with almost 30% confessing to doing so without informing their employers.
Why the sudden surge in working vacations? Well, nearly 40% of respondents mentioned their love for their work as the primary reason. Others cited the need to meet essential work deadlines overlapping with their time off (28%) or to conserve their Paid Time Off (PTO) days (26%).
But it’s not all about work during vacation time – almost half of the participants (48%) revealed that they extend their work trips into actual vacations at the destination.
The study commissioned by Mews, a prominent hospitality cloud service, and conducted by OnePoll also found that a significant majority of working Americans (four out of five) are open to working remotely from their hotel.
Unsurprisingly, the top choice for remote work was the comfort of the hotel room (69%), closely followed by working from the hotel pool or spa (25%) and selecting the hotel bar or restaurant (24%).
According to the survey, both travelers (74%) and hotel workers (75%) agree that Americans are prioritizing travel more this year compared to the previous year. In fact, a whopping 79% are planning all their trips for the year as early as possible and anticipate taking around 11 trips in 2024.
Among these trips are three vacations, three family trips, three work-related trips, and two “bleisure” trips (a blend of business and leisure). Hotel workers are positioning themselves to cater to this surge in travel, noting that guests combining work with leisure are easier to accommodate and are likely to extend their stays and utilize more hotel amenities.
Guests, on the other hand, have specific preferences for hotel facilities and services. A perfect hotel in the eyes of travelers should offer fast Wi-Fi (70%), a king-sized bed (55%), a smart TV (54%), proximity to attractions (48%), in-building restaurants (47%), a fitness center or gym (38%), online or self-service check-in/check-out (37%), a personal hot tub (37%), a personal bathtub (37%), and a spa (36%).
Furthermore, hotel workers have observed an increasing trend of locals coming to use hotel amenities such as the pool, restaurants, lobby, gym, and parking. Interestingly, 79% of hotel workers mentioned that guests frequently seek local recommendations.
In conclusion, the travel landscape is evolving, with a stronger emphasis on combining work and leisure, maximizing technology for seamless hotel experiences, and enhancing guest interactions through personalized services. The future of hospitality is poised to deliver unforgettable moments and exceptional customer service tailor-made for each guest.
So, are you ready for the “hush workcation” experience? Pack your bags, log in, and enjoy the blend of work and relaxation in the beautiful backdrop of your favorite travel destination!
