How Should We Really Be Taking Time Off?
In a world that never stops buzzing, even our vacations have started to look different. Two emerging trends are reshaping how we approach time off: quiet vacationing and workcations. One suggests we completely disconnect from our jobs, while the other embraces the idea of working remotely from inspiring destinations. But which one truly helps us recharge?
What is Quiet Vacationing?
“Quiet vacationing” is the art of taking time off without broadcasting it—no out-of-office replies, no Instagram beach shots, no Slack status updates. It’s about stepping away from work discreetly, maintaining the illusion of availability while seeking real rest. This trend has grown in popularity amid rising workplace pressures and the unspoken expectation that even when we’re “off,” we should still be “on.” By going quiet, employees aim to reclaim mental and emotional downtime, without triggering concerns about their commitment or reliability.
However, quietly disconnecting without formally reporting time off raises ethical and practical concerns. Pretending to be online while disengaged can strain team dynamics, create imbalances, and erode trust. While often a response to restrictive PTO policies or inflexible workplace cultures, the practice can add stress and confusion rather than relieve it.
The Rise of the Workcation
As a more transparent middle ground, workcations—blending light work with a change of scenery—are gaining traction. They offer employees the chance to recharge in a new environment while staying partially engaged, giving teams clarity and maintaining trust. While not a perfect substitute for true rest, workcations can offer a healthier, more honest approach to flexibility in a world that increasingly resists the off switch.
Workcations offer a different kind of escape: blending work responsibilities with the refreshment of a new environment. It’s working from a cosy cabin in the mountains, a seaside Airbnb, or even a coworking-friendly resort. For flexible remote workers or freelancers, the workcation is less about checking out and more about changing the scenery.
This trend caters to those who find inspiration in travel or feel more energised working away from their usual space. It offers freedom, novelty, and the chance to explore new places without burning through precious vacation days.
The Psychology Behind the Two
Burnout is real, and so is the modern struggle of balancing hyper-connectivity with mental wellness. For some, being unreachable feels liberating. For others, the idea of returning to hundreds of emails after total disconnection creates more anxiety than relief.
Studies have shown that short breaks, variety in environment, and autonomy over work schedules can all contribute positively to mental health and productivity. So while quiet vacationing promotes psychological distance, workcations may foster wellbeing through a balance of purpose and flexibility.
Quiet Vacations vs. Worcations: Pros & Cons
| Feature | Quiet Vacationing | Workcation |
| Rest | Offers full mental detachment, ideal for complete disconnection | Partial detachment, but a change of scenery, can be mentally refreshing |
| Flexibility | Requires careful planning to stay fully offline and unnoticed | High flexibility; allows location independence while staying connected |
| Productivity | None by design—focus is on total rest | Moderate to high, depending on setup and boundaries |
| Family/Friends | Uninterrupted quality time, free from work distractions | Shared time is possible, though work hours may create occasional boundaries |
| FOMO | Higher risk of missing important updates or opportunities | Reduced FOMO—stay in the loop without being fully “on” |
| Logistics | May involve ethical grey areas or deception around availability | Transparent and feasible for remote-friendly roles with proper planning |
Which One is Right for You?
Are you an introvert who needs silence and space to truly unwind? Quiet vacationing might be your go-to. Or perhaps you’re a restless creative who thrives on novelty and hates coming back to an overflowing inbox—in which case, a workcation could be a smarter fit.
Your job flexibility, team culture, and even your phase in life all play a role. A young entrepreneur might embrace workcations to keep the hustle going from inspiring backdrops, while a mid-career professional may crave a complete digital detox.
While quiet vacationing can deliver meaningful rest, it often raises ethical and logistical concerns. Workcations, when approached intentionally, offer a more balanced alternative—blending flexibility, transparency, and the mental refresh of a new environment, without requiring complete disconnection.
Hybrid Solutions – Do You Really Have to Choose?
Luckily, this doesn’t have to be an either-or situation. Many are discovering hybrid solutions: a few days of deep rest followed by a flexible remote work schedule. For example, you might fully unplug for the weekend, then log in for a light week of work while enjoying a new destination.
Some remote teams even structure retreats this way, allowing colleagues to bond, explore, and still get some work done, without the pressure of pretending to be off-grid or 100% online.
Final Thoughts – Reclaiming Rest on Your Own Terms
At the end of the day, whether you lean toward quiet vacationing or a workcation depends on your own definition of rest. The goal isn’t to follow a trend, but to intentionally design breaks that support your mental health, creativity, and long-term productivity.
So next time you’re planning time off, ask yourself: do I need a total reset, or a refreshing change of scenery? The right answer is the one that leaves you feeling truly renewed.
