Riding the ‘hush trip’ trend: Is balancing work and wanderlust worth the risk?

The rise of remote work has blurred the lines between work and leisure, giving rise to a new trend: the “hush trip.”

A hush trip is when you work remotely from a vacation destination without your employer's knowledge.

It's a way to combine work with travel, enjoying a change of scenery without using up your PTO for vacation days.

A recent survey by OnePoll showed that at least 52% of the respondents used their vacation to work remotely, and 29% of them are “hush-hush” about it.

At least 39% of those who engage in hush trips said they work during vacation because they like what they do, 28% said some deadlines overlapped with their trips, and 26% said they wanted to save their paid time off.

When working while on vacation, at least 68% of the respondents said they do it in their room, while at least 25% do it by the pool or in a spa.

The allure of hush trips lies in their promise of freedom and flexibility. Remote workers are drawn to the idea of integrating work with leisure, creating a more holistic lifestyle.

The novelty of a new environment can spark creativity and lead to increased productivity. Moreover, escaping the daily routine and immersing oneself in a relaxing atmosphere can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

The risks of going on hush trips: Is it worth it?

While hush trips might seem like the perfect solution for work-life balance, they're not without their potential pitfalls.

The distractions inherent in vacation destinations can easily hinder productivity, turning a work paradise into a procrastination haven.

Unreliable Wi-Fi access or time zone differences can disrupt workflows and communication, leading to missed deadlines and frustrated colleagues.

Perhaps the most significant risk is the erosion of trust between employer and employee. If your employer discovers your secret getaway, it could damage their confidence in your reliability and judgment, potentially impacting your career trajectory.

Additionally, the constant juggling of work and vacation can lead to burnout, negating the initial benefits of the hush trip.

Hush trips from an employer's perspective

From an employer's perspective, hush trips are often viewed with scepticism and concern. They want to know where their employees are and ensure that work is being done efficiently and securely.

Working from unsecured networks can jeopardise sensitive company data, and employees working from different locations can create complications for HR and payroll departments.

Furthermore, there's the issue of accountability. Employers want to ensure that employees are fully engaged in their work and not prioritising leisure over their responsibilities.

This lack of transparency can create a sense of distrust and lead to potential conflicts down the line.

To ‘hush trip’ or not?

Hush trips might sound tempting, but they come with potential pitfalls. So, how do you decide if it's the right move for you? Here are some key factors to weigh before you book that flight:

1. Company culture. Is your workplace open to flexible work arrangements? If not, a hush trip might be a risky move.

2. Your role. Does your job require you to be available during specific hours or in a particular location?

3. Your destination. Will you have reliable internet access and minimal time zone disruptions to deliver the expected output on time?

4. Your honesty. Are you comfortable with the potential consequences if your employer finds out? Or will it have a severe effect on your job and work relationships?

Hush trips and the future of work

The rise of hush trips raises questions about the future of work. Will employers become more accepting of remote work? Will technology and policies evolve to accommodate it? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, remember that open communication and transparency are the best policies for getting the most out of life and work. If you're considering a hush trip, weigh the risks and benefits carefully.

And if you do decide to take one, make sure you can maintain your productivity and professionalism while enjoying your getaway.