Working Under the Radar: 1 in 3 remote workers travel while working
TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) — In the world of remote work, a new vacation model is emerging where employees blend business with pleasure without necessarily keeping their bosses in the loop. According to recent research, nearly one-third of Americans are secretly turning their vacations into working opportunities.
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A survey conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Mews, a hospitality management platform, examined responses from 2,000 employed Americans. It revealed that while 52% of respondents are open to working remotely during their travels, 29% have already done so without informing their workplace.
Interestingly, this trend isn’t driven solely by workaholism. About 39% of those who mix work with travel say their motivation stems from a genuine enjoyment of their jobs. Others pursue this path to meet crucial deadlines (28%) or to conserve their paid time off (26%).
Hotels are catching up to this trend, with many workers noticing that guests often extend their business trips to enjoy a few extra days of leisure. Dubbed “bleisure” trips, these extensions are becoming increasingly popular, with travelers expected to take an average of 11 trips this year, including vacations, family visits, and work-related journeys.
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The preferred setup for many of these stealthy workers is the comfort of their hotel room, as noted by 69% of survey participants. However, a noticeable number would rather work from more scenic parts of the hotel, like the pool, spa, or even the bar.
The drive toward this workcation trend also aligns with a broader shift toward prioritizing travel. According to the survey, three out of four travelers and hotel workers believe that Americans are traveling more this year compared to the last. Additionally, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the travel experience, with a significant number of respondents (80%) preferring hotels that offer advanced tech like automated check-ins or AI-based travel recommendations.
Hotel staff have observed an uptick in the use of amenities by both locals and travelers, reflecting a move toward hotels serving as community hubs rather than just places to stay. From coworking spaces to yoga classes, modern hotels are diversifying their offerings to cater to the varied needs of their guests.
The merging of work and vacation reflects a larger trend of seeking flexibility and maximizing time. As remote work becomes more normalized, the lines between personal and professional life continue to blur, crafting a new kind of travel experience that accommodates both.
Survey Methodology: This survey included 1,000 American travelers and 1,000 hotel workers, conducted between January 30 and February 8, 2024. It was performed by market research firm OnePoll, whose team members belong to various professional research societies such as the Market Research Society and the American Association for Public Opinion Research.
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