From 23 to 29 September Marlies Vervoordeldonk, Head of Marketing, Policy & Support at Joanknecht, was in Milan to combine work and holiday, and judging by the glowing feedback, Marlies's first workation was a great experience.

Here, Marlies shares details about what a workation involves, and which cities are already signed up to this initiative in the PrimeGlobal EMEA region.

What is a workation?

If you are planning a holiday or some time away in a different country, it is now entirely possible to extend your stay abroad and experience a few extra days working in an international environment, just as you would do from your own home or office. Easy to arrange through the PrimeGlobal community, and a great opportunity!

How did the idea arise?

The idea came from one of Joanknecht Managing Partner, Marco Verhagen. He became inspired due to an article in a newsletter and shared his thoughts with the Talent Management/HR team, Mark-Jan van der Weerden, Tax Partner, and Marlies; they became the project team who initiated the inaugural workation stay.

And as Marlies was already planning a trip to Milan, she agreed to become the 'test case'. Mark-Jan then contacted Alberto De Giorgi, Partner of Studio De Giorgi e Associati who has been a close contact for many years and asked if it was okay for Marlies to spend some time in the office working for Joanknecht. True to form, Alberto was immediately very enthusiastic and agreed to the idea.

Where can I go?

So far, nine cities have been confirmed in participating with this initiative, including Eindhoven, Milan, Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, Zurich, Zug, London, and Copenhagen. If you are wishing to extend your vacation and can't bear to leave these beautiful and vibrant cities, the EMEA PrimeGlobal community is ready to welcome colleagues from abroad and facilitate a workplace, friendliness and coffee, and the opportunity to increase your global reach.

How was the experience?

Organising the trip, Marlies took a flight from Eindhoven to Bergamo Orio al Serio and arrived in Milan on Friday 23 September in the afternoon. She then enjoyed the 'vacation' part of the workation, staying in an apartment in a residential part of Milan called Gambara. Marlies spent the rest of the weekend enjoying the tourist hotspots in and around MIlan, before heading 'to the office' on Monday morning!

Public transport was easy to navigate and Marlies took the metro to Studio De Giorgi e Associati. After receiving a warm welcome from Alberto, Giorgio and their colleagues, Marlies was shown to the office where she had everything she needed to be able to work for the next three days, including a good internet connection and great coffee!

Marlies was able to work for Joanknecht from a distant location, indeed, a different country, just as easy as if she was working from home, and it worked out perfectly.

How do I get involved?

If you fancy participating in a workation then it's easy to get involved! Simply contact any of the firms already involved in the scheme and make the arrangements. direct, and if you are a firm willing to participate but not on the list, then let us know as we will make sure your details are communicated to the existing participants.

Just don't forget to get in touch with the PrimeGlobal communications team who can then share your story with the rest of the PrimeGlobal community!

PrimeGlobal Member Firms Involved in the Workation Scheme

Joanknecht

Studio De Giorgi e Associati

Simmonds Gainsford LLP

Afigec

BA Group

Martinsen

Treureva