Why is the ‘workation’ gaining in popularity?
- Flexibility and freedom: technological advances offer the flexibility needed to work remotely. Professionals can now carry out their tasks from anywhere in the world.
- Work-life balance: the “workation” allows employees to effectively balance their professional and personal lives. They can enjoy a break away from the office whilst continuing with their work.
- Productivity and Creativity: working in a different environment can boost creativity and productivity. A change of scenery and the chance to discover new cultures often have a positive impact on productivity and work.
- Strengthening Team Bonds: when colleagues go on “workations” together, the environment is conducive to building bonds. Working together in unconventional settings often strengthens team spirit.
After co-working, co-living?
The rise of remote working from exceptional locations has led to a dramatic increase in the availability of co-working spaces in Alpine resorts.
However, with rising property prices, these venues are not always profitable, which has led some investors to focus on co-living spaces: comfortable shared flats for workation enthusiasts, with workspaces right inside the flats.
What does the law say?
What should you bear in mind when working from abroad? A simple question with a complicated answer.
We asked our legal experts: on paper, most countries require a work permit to carry out gainful employment. If workations fall outside this rule, it is due to their temporary nature, as well as the ignorance or tolerance of local authorities.
Let’s compare this with the situation for cross-border workers: if a company allows remote working for employees who live across the border, the rules in force in our neighbouring countries (France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein) allow up to 49.9 per cent remote working in the country of residence, without any change to social security contributions and subject to a request from the employer. Some countries require at least one day per week to be worked in Switzerland.
It is therefore understandable that many companies restrict working abroad, in order to ensure that Swiss social insurance applies and that tax implications are kept to a minimum.
It should also be noted that, depending on the country, the risks of espionage and cyberattacks are heightened, which may justify further restrictions.
Another key point: the Labour Act, which governs working hours and rest periods, applies only within Swiss territory. Abroad, the regulations of the country in question apply.
To conclude, if your company permits full-time remote working and you are carrying it out from a co-living space in Graubünden, there’s no problem! On the other hand, spending two months working in another country means you mustn’t overlook the administrative and legal aspects of such situations.
How can you avoid any unpleasant surprises?
In the case of a ‘workation’, prior discussion with your employer and clear contractual provisions are strongly recommended. If this trend continues to grow, a clause setting out the terms and conditions may well become standard practice in company policies!
In the meantime, check out the articles by Lorenz Ramseyer, a remote working consultant, on the benefits of a ‘workation’… and tips on how to convince your employer of the advantages of this practice.
