Zoom Calls & Palm Trees: Are Workcations Worth It?
As flexible work becomes the norm, the “workcation” is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a reimagining of how, where, and why we work. And in 2025, more people are choosing to swap their home offices for new horizons (ideally with ocean views and solid Wi-Fi).

But is it possible to balance productivity and palm trees? I say yes—with boundaries, trust, and a little Bauhaus philosophy.

A Real-Life Workcation: St. Barths, Deadlines, and Discovery
“Having not taken a real vacation in 4 years (do NOT recommend it to anyone—you deserve your time off!), my fiancée and I planned a two-week trip to St. Barths to celebrate her 40th birthday.” Sounds like a dream. But this wasn’t a full unplug. In the middle of TV pre-production, I had to stay dialed in—without burning out.

“To me, a workcation is about clear, honest communication. Not just with your coworkers and clients, but with those you’re spending time with. We outlined a plan before I left: check-in days, summary emails, and designated off-hours. Consistency is key. Hold to your times on, and your times off. It’s all about trust and reliability.”

Exploration Is Part of the Work
The big misconception? That exploration and productivity are in conflict. “It’s funny that we’ve separated exploration from productivity in the first place. They aren’t mutually exclusive. You have to explore to be productive, and productivity allows you to explore.

There’s a study I go back to, by John Cleese and Oxford University: humans have about 2 hours of ‘playfulness’ each day where we’re truly creative. Workcations let us tap into that longer. It’s like the Bauhaus school of thought—we need to nurture every element of our being to give our best to clients, colleagues, and ourselves.”

The Takeaway
Workcations aren’t just a perk—they’re part of a larger shift in how we manage energy, creativity, and connection. Done right, they offer space to recharge and produce your best work.

So, whether you’re deep in a pitch deck or prepping for production, maybe it’s time to take the office somewhere new. Just make sure the Wi-Fi—and your calendar—can keep up.

James Buonatuono
SVP, Head of Creative