Why Escaping Work Doesn’t Work
Let’s stop pretending nomad life is a long-term solution. Instead, let’s improve work culture to help employees love their jobs again.
We’ve all heard stories about remote workers living the ‘dream.’ Those nomad designers, writers, tech professionals — you name it — whose jobs allow them to work from anywhere. Some set up shop near surf beaches and email clients between catching waves.
And it’s not just freelancers. Companies like Remote Year arrange for employees to work from incredible locations across the globe without quitting their jobs. Recently, I read about a chief marketing officer who booked a return ticket to Japan in order to focus.
So, it’s clear I’m not the only one craving focus in this world of permanent distraction and increased stress. But very few people can work away from the office like that — the rest of us have families, responsibilities, old-fashioned office cultures, and tight budgets.
Really, far too much attention has been given to the minority groups living the so-called ‘dream life.’ Escaping like that is often a reactive solution, anyway — a quick fix. Does it really get to the core of the problem that makes nomad life seem so ideal? Do these rare escapes actually provide long-term results?
Businesses are trying to prevent people from wanting to escape. In the corporate world, smaller-scale reactive solutions like retreats, teambuilding exercises and bootcamps have emerged.
But prevention is better than cure. We need to act before the team is out of sync with strategy and rhythm. Before they burn out.
If staff are craving time away to really clear their minds, then let’s give it to them — in a sustainable way. Instead, what if we could work from a new remote location once a month?
Forget cars, phones and comped meals. At re_mote, we’re developing a more inclusive, pro-active and permanently valuable perk for employees. It’s time to work without distractions. Our plan is to provide you and your staff with the formula and tools you need to not escape work, but advance it. After all, our jobs can and should be fulfilling.
We’ll show you how to bring yourself into a state of deep focus and creativity. How? Using the powerful rituals, energy and recovery flows employed by some of the greatest artists, creators and athletes of all time.
And when emails, catch-up meetings and small tasks make you feel like you can’t focus and do real, deep work in the office, we’ll have a network of re_mote places nearby where you and your staff can go to re_boot, re_consider and re_invigorate.
Help us change the conversation. Rather than escaping our workplaces, let’s talk about advancing them.
— Nicolas Verellen
In our next posts, we’ll involve you in the creation and crafting of our first ‘Monk Mode’ experiences. Our architects and experts are already hard at work. Go on-site with our team to see our buildings, programme and philosophy evolve.
Stay tuned for more about what will become the most appreciated and valuable employee perk.
