Two thirds of Canadian remote employees wish they could
work from a vacation spot to get a change of scenery according to
Expedia's new study
TORONTO, Calif., Dec. 10,
2020 /CNW/ -- In recognition of the months spent working at
kitchen tables, on couches and even in bedrooms, Expedia is giving
"Working from Home" a promotion in 2021. Weary workers in
Canada will be able to book one of
six luxury two-week "Work from Here" (WFH) trips for just
$20.20, each curated to give remote
employees the opportunity for a major video conference
backdrop upgrade, all while highlighting the beauty across
Canada.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8686552-expedia-work-from-here-trips-canada/
For those looking for a new outlook in 2021, the special
WFH trips will go on sale on Dec. 14 at 20:20 EST (8:20 PM
EST) on https://workfromhere.expedia.ca and are
sure to sell out quickly. Workers who snag one of the six
$20.20 WFH deals will receive a
two-week stay for two people at an Expedia VIP Access Property in
April 2021.* The curated experiences
for Work From Here highlight different regions and offer a taste of
both urban and more remote destinations, including Hotel
X (Toronto), Entourage
sur-le-Lac (Quebec City) and
The Sundial Boutique Hotel (Whistler).
"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced an unprecedented shift in how
and where many workers complete their daily '9-5'. Working at
home for an extended period has compounded the desire to explore
new places, take in sites and scenery, and experience something
new," said Nisreene Atassi, Senior Director, Communications, at
Expedia. "Built on the wanderer mindset of today's work from
anywhere professionals, 'Work From Here' celebrates a new global
culture that allows employees the freedom to balance work with
travel. When we can travel freely again, we want to inspire workers
to think differently about their workspace to create happier, more
productive experiences, which would benefit not only employees but
also employers."
Expedia launches the "Work from Here" campaign to help break
down barriers for planning workcations, after looking into the
attitudes of remote workers within Canada. The study uncovered the desires and
perceived benefits of working from a new location, with the top
findings below.
The current situation:
- As of November, exactly half of the Canadians polled were
working from home 100% of the time. Wanderlust is high, as 64%
wished they could work from a new location or a holiday spot for a
few weeks to get a change of scenery.
- Currently, 57% of workers said their employer would be
supportive of a remote working trip, but understanding there are
still barriers to travelling.
- The top three factors for not booking a work getaway were
concerns about travel advisories (52%), money/finances (48%) and
home office set-up worries (30%).
Improved relationship building and increased positive
energy:
- With today's pressure of juggling work and home life, nearly
half of parents (47%) would be willing to leave their family at
home for a week or two to work remotely in a new location; 56% of
parents even said a workcation would improve their relationship
with their children.
- Similarly, 54% of those polled with a partner stated that a
"Work From Here" trip would improve their relationship with a
significant other.
- When it comes to mood, almost half (49%) of Canadians said that
working from a new location or vacation spot has improved their
mood and ultimately contributed to an improved relationship with
their boss and co-workers.
- Queue the smiles and exhales – Canadian remote workers say that
a WFH trip will have real emotional benefits. The top five include:
feeling happy (38%), relaxed (34%), excited (33%), energized (31%)
and productive (30%).
Daydreaming of the perfect destination
- The beach was the top 'Work From Here' location (42%), closely
followed by a lake (37%), the mountains (30%) and the countryside
(28%).
- Everyday escapism is clearly high, with a fifth saying a
treehouse or glamping would be a top pick.
- A quiet and relaxing setting would be the most important
feature for 67% of Canadians surveyed. Other popular choices
include more space (43%), luxury (37%) and remoteness
(30%).
Nita Chhinzer, Associate Professor of Human Resources at the
University of Guelph, comments: "As
the pandemic has continued, people have upgraded spaces in their
homes to include all the 'must-haves' for a great remote work
setup, but some people are getting burnt out with the isolation,
increased work hours, and blurred personal-professional space
associated with working from home. People looking to get a break
from the work from home situation have started to explore booking
trips for a few days or weeks at relatively local destinations with
the intention to work during the day, and explore a new environment
or surrounding after work hours. There are three important tips
when changing up remote workspace to help maximize productivity,
recharge people and help them succeed at deeper cognitive
thoughts.
- First, set dedicated distraction free work hours so that you
compartmentalize work from non-work time.
- Second, start your day with a normal morning routine (shower,
have breakfast, read, walk, jog etc.). The routines make us happy
and helps prepare us mentally for a productive workday.
- Third, when you are off working hours, mentally switch off from
work, to help recharge your batteries. Visit local sites, enjoy the
scenery, indulge in a great meal…enjoying yourself off-hours helps
break the cycle of exhaustion many remote workers are currently
in."
To help with planning your own trip, Expedia's local travel
experts and bloggers VancityWild have shared all you need to
know on maximizing any Work From Here trip. And if you're planning
to pack your laptop in your luggage and explore a new WFH location,
head over to the Expedia Canada blog to check out our guide on 5
Top Tips for Planning a WFH, as well as some dreamy Canadian
spots to keep you inspired.
Most importantly, it's key to check travel advisories when
booking or travelling. Visit the COVID-19 resource center for
more information.
Notes to Editors:
Expedia's 'Work from Here' global survey compiled between
5th and 12th November
2020 by OnePoll. Respondents: 2000, Canadian adults,
employees from Canada who do or
can work from home.
About Expedia
Expedia is one of the world's largest full-service travel sites,
helping millions of travellers per month easily plan and book
travel. Expedia aims to provide the latest technology and widest
selection of top vacation destinations, affordable airfare, hotel
deals, car rentals, destination weddings, cruise deals and
in-destination activities, attractions, services and travel
apps.
© 2020 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights
reserved. Expedia and the Airplane logo are either trademarks or
registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and other
countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be
the property of their respective owners. Visit our web site
https://www.expedia.ca or use our mobile app to book cheap flights,
hotels, and packages.
Source: Brand Expedia.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Extremely limited offer, while supplies last – only six (6)
bookings are available at this rate. Offer is only available
at the three (3) participating hotels (two (2) bookings per
property). Offer is valid for either of the stated travel
periods, April 1 through April 15,
2021 or April 16 through April 30, 2021, based on
double occupancy, and includes taxes and fees. All room types may
not be included in the offer. Offer is subject to availability and
may be discontinued without notice. Hotel-specific conditions may
apply and are notified prior to booking. Expedia's usual booking
terms and conditions
apply: https://www.expedia.ca/lp/lg-legal. Promoter: Expedia,
Inc., 1111 Expedia Group Way W., Seattle,
WA 98119 USA
If you are unable to travel during the stated travel
periods due to government restrictions related to the
Coronavirus pandemic, Expedia will assist
in rescheduling the trip.
Note: working from a location different from your normal work
location could result in personal tax responsibilities or
responsibilities for your employer. Please consult a tax advisor
and your employer with any questions.
SOURCE Expedia