Sun, Sand, and Spreadsheets: Africa Emerges as the Workcation Hotspot

Workcations, where travellers combine work and leisure at their destinations to prolong holidays, have exploded in popularity since hybrid working became the popular working model for many. Thanks to the proliferation of hybrid working and cloud technology, employees can work from wherever they feel most productive. Recent research, polling 12,000 workers globally, has found that more than four in five (84%) hybrid workers have, or would consider, extending a holiday to work remotely from their chosen destination.

New research from International Workplace Group, the world’s largest operator of flexible and hybrid workspace, has revealed the rising popularity of workcations among office workers, with three quarters (74%) of workers viewing a ‘work from anywhere policy’ as a significant factor when considering a new job. The same number (75%) said that the freedom of being able to work from anywhere boosts their job satisfaction.

This trend allows professionals to seamlessly blend business with pleasure, transforming their laptops from cubicle companions to beachside buddies. IWG’s unrivalled network coverage includes approximately 4,000 locations across more than 120 countries, and 83% of Fortune 500 companies are amongst their growing customer base.

Many African destinations recognise the workcation trend's potential and are actively developing themselves as workcation hubs. This includes partnering with flexible office space specialists like IWG which includes the Regus, SPACES and HQ brands in Africa. ​ IWG provides workspaces with modern amenities, cutting edge technology and an all-inclusive working environment in popular workcation spots, enabling people to choose where they want to work. Some countries are now even offering visa options tailored for extended stays for those looking for a workcation.

Imagine working with the sound of waves lapping at your doorstep or gazing out at breathtaking sunsets from your balcony after a productive workday. Africa offers diverse workcation destinations, from luxurious beach resorts in Zanzibar to secluded eco-lodges nestled within national parks. Whether you seek the vibrant energy of Cape Town or the serenity of a secluded island getaway, Africa has a workcation setting to suit your preferences.

Workcations offer a win-win situation for both individuals and destinations. Professionals enjoy a refreshing change of scenery, leading to improved work-life balance and increased productivity. Destinations benefit from increased tourism revenue and longer visitor stays, injecting vibrancy into local communities through interaction with remote workers.

As remote work continues to grow, Africa is poised to become a leading workcation destination. The continent's diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and increasing infrastructure offer the perfect blend of work and play for digital nomads and remote workers seeking a refreshing change. Africa can solidify its position as the ultimate work-leisure paradise by addressing internet access challenges and creating workcation-friendly environments.

Here are some examples of African hotspots currently attracting workcationers:

The ongoing shift in work culture has not only transformed professional attitudes but also broadened workers' horizons when choosing travel destinations. Eighty per cent stated that the availability of these policies has prompted them to consider destinations they previously wouldn't have.

International Workplace Group Founder and CEO Mark Dixon said:

"For an increasing number of workers, the days of long daily commutes are over now that hybrid working offers the opportunity to work wherever we are most productive. 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 embracing the idea of combining work with travel, whether 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 companies embracing WFA policies to improve employees' work-life balance and increase their attractiveness as employers."

With brands including Regus, Spaces and HQ, International Workplace Group offers access to an unrivalled global network and the opportunity to work from anywhere worldwide, with a strong presence in the most sought-after destinations, from Barcelona to Brussels and from Sofia to Singapore. Through their wide network of flexible workspaces, International Workplace Group supports the growing trend of remote work and workcations, enabling individuals to seize exciting opportunities and embrace a more flexible and fulfilling work lifestyle.

To find out more and book your next workcation space, head to: www.iwgplc.com

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About International Workplace Group PLC ​ ​ 

International Workplace Group is the global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. We create personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size, from some of the most exciting companies and well-known organisations on the planet to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. They all harness the power of International Workplace Group's hybrid working platform to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity. ​ 

International Workplace Group's unrivalled network coverage includes approximately 4,000 locations across more than 120 countries, and 83% of Fortune 500 companies are amongst our growing customer base.

Through our brands, including Regus, Spaces, HQ, and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses work more productively. We do so by providing the world's leading hybrid work platform with professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces and digital services all available via the International Workplace Group app. ​ ​

For more information visit www.iwgplc.com