Research from IWG reveals Sydney is one of the top ‘workation’ cities for hybrid workers. Workations, where travellers work from destinations abroad to prolong holidays, have exploded in popularity since hybrid working became the de facto working model for many.
What were the findings of IWG’s research?
Research by IWG, found that 88% of hybrid workers ‘worked from anywhere’ last year, while almost three in five (57%) extended holidays by working from abroad. IWG operates 3,500 flexible office locations in over 120 countries, offering businesses and employees access to an unrivalled global network and opportunity to work from anywhere all over the world.
Drawing from this extensive network, IWG, compared 25 leading cities across nine key criteria. Cities were given marks out of 10 for climate, culture, accommodation, transport, food & drink, happiness, broadband speed and the availability of flexible workspace.
Sydney ranks on list, Barcelona and Toronto take top spot
Sydney scores highly in categories like climate and happiness, both with a score of 8.5. One of the busiest cities in the country, Sydney offers travellers a unique blend of harbourside views, picturesque beaches and a food haven with various flea markets and festivals.
Hybrid work travellers can enjoy all of this while also utilising one of IWG’s 19 centres in and around Sydney spread across the CBD. Barcelona and Toronto came joint-top of the pile, registering particularly strong scores in broadband speed and accommodation prices.
Barcelona, renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, breathtaking architecture, and almost year-round sunshine, continues to be a highly coveted destination for hybrid workers, attracting millions of visitors each year. In recent times, it has become a thriving hub for digital nomads seeking the perfect blend of work and leisure for their ‘workations’.
The city’s allure lies in its combination of sun, sea, sand, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, along with its excellent transport system and relatively low cost of living compared to other popular European cities. Toronto, on the other hand, boasts high scores in accommodation, happiness, and a wealth of flexible workspaces, making it an ideal choice for travellers.
Canada’s largest city offers a diverse experience, with more than 25% of the city covered in forests and 18% dedicated to parks, providing ample green spaces for relaxation amidst the bustling urban setting. With a multicultural ambiance, more than 8,000 restaurants, vibrant neighbourhoods, and coffee shops and flexible workspaces makes Toronto quite appealing.
Being takes third spot
Completing the top three, Beijing scored an impressive 57.5 out of 90. It performed exceptionally well in categories like culture, accommodation, and transport costs.
Beijing presents visitors with a stark contrast between historic neighbourhoods featuring ancient alleyways and futuristic financial districts adorned with towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology— blending traditional and modern China. The city’s world-class art scene, with numerous galleries and cultural venues, offers a remarkable experience for travellers looking for a glimpse into China’s rich heritage and contemporary innovation.
Workations growing in popularity as workers seek work-life balance
Additionally, IWG’s latest research also reveals the growing popularity of workations among office workers. Over two-thirds (67%) of workers surveyed believe they can effectively perform their jobs from abroad, and a significant 71% of the workers say they would only consider a job that offers the flexibility to work remotely, at least part of the time.
The research study highlights that improved work-life balance (76%) is the most common benefit cited for working from anywhere. Additionally, the ability to spend more time with friends and family abroad (52%), save money by traveling during off-peak times (47%), and enjoy longer holidays (30%) were other key advantages mentioned in IWG’s new report.
As a leader in hybrid work solutions, IWG offers over 3,500 locations in more than 120 countries worldwide, empowering people to work wherever is most convenient for them.
With brands like Regus, Spaces and HQ, IWG has a strong presence in the most sought-after destinations, from Barcelona to Brussels, and from Sofia to Singapore. Through their network of flexible workspaces, IWG supports the growing trend of remote work and workations, enabling individuals to seize exciting opportunities and embrace a more flexible work lifestyle.
What were IWG’s thoughts on the findings?
Commenting on the research findings, IWG Country Head for Australia, Damien Sheehan said: “For an increasing number of workers, hybrid working offers the opportunity to work wherever we will be the most productive. And thanks to cloud technology, that can be anywhere in the world, provided there’s a high-quality internet connection available.”
“So, it’s no wonder that more and more individuals are increasingly embracing the idea of combining work with travel, whether it’s for a few days tacked on to the end of a vacation, or a few months as a digital nomad. This trend is set to accelerate further, and we will continue to see more and more companies embracing WFA policies to improve employees’ work-life balance and increase their attractiveness as an employer,” Sheehan further said.
