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Our workplace experience (WX) trends series looks at recent news articles, videos, social media posts, and thought leadership pieces on workplace experience. You’ll also hear from our experts on what’s trending.
This week in WX trends, we learn what a hush trip is and explore the pros and cons. Next, how business travel has transformed since the pandemic. Finally, travelling and working isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.
Ever dream of doing your job from a beach house or French patisserie? We all do. Enter the hush trip.
A “hush trip” is when remote employees work from a different location without informing their employer, such as from a beach or even another country, according to a HuffPost article. As long as they meet their work deadlines, the mindset is, “Why mention it?” This trend has grown since the pandemic, as many workers embraced the freedom to work from anywhere.
Supporters believe hush trips boost productivity, morale, and mental well-being by offering spontaneity and flexibility. Employees can enjoy scenic locations without needing to request time off, blending work and leisure, known as “bleisure” travel.
However, hush trips come with risks, the article states. Poor internet connectivity or significant time zone differences can impact work quality, and the secrecy might erode trust with employers. Legal and tax complications may also arise, particularly if the stay is prolonged. Some companies have even banned hush trips due to these challenges,” the article concludes.
Hush trips appeal to remote workers seeking freedom, but they can present significant hurdles for employers in maintaining trust, legal compliance, and consistent workflows,” says Holly Grogan, Chief Experience Officer at Appspace.
Business travel is making a comeback, but it’s evolving, according to a BBC article. During the pandemic, companies shifted to virtual meetings, which often replaced costly in-person trips. However, as remote and hybrid work models became the norm, the value of in-person meetings within teams grew.
According to a Global Business Travel Association report, the business travel industry is expected to surpass pre-pandemic spending levels by 2024. However, the purpose of these trips has shifted, the article states. Instead of focusing on client meetings, more companies are now traveling for internal meetings to strengthen team bonds, which are crucial in a remote work environment.
In fact, 88% of professionals surveyed believe in-person interactions are essential for building strong, long-term relationships among employees. Remote companies are embracing this trend by organizing annual retreats to boost morale and team cohesion.
Business travel is also seen as a tool for professional development, with many employees viewing it as an investment in their growth, the article concludes. As hybrid work continues, this new style of business travel will play a key role in maintaining connections and fostering workplace culture.
Lou Crane, 28, became a digital nomad in 2021, seeking freedom and flexibility after feeling trapped during the pandemic, she tells Metro UK. Over two-and-a-half years, she traveled through Europe, Africa, and beyond while working remotely. But despite the appeal of seeing new places, Lou grew disillusioned with the nomadic lifestyle and returned to the UK, realizing she needed a stable home.
She highlights several challenges of digital nomadism, including unreliable Wi-Fi, loneliness, and the constant logistical effort involved in planning accommodations, travel, and safety. While social media often glamorizes the lifestyle, Lou notes that it’s not all beach days — there’s a lot of work and admin behind the scenes.
Now back in the UK with a flexible job, Lou enjoys a quieter, more balanced life, focusing on personal well-being and reconnecting with loved ones. She advises aspiring digital nomads to plan carefully, stay longer in fewer places, and build a sustainable routine, rather than treating the experience like an extended vacation.
Technology can help with loneliness on the job, says Thomas Philippart de Foy, Chief Innovation Officer at Appspace. “The right communications solutions, such as an employee app, intranet, and built-in AI capabilities, can help reduce feelings of isolation.”
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