Need a ‘workation’ ?

By IANSlife  

New Delhi, June 12  Stressed with the combined load of business, profession and home chores? If you’re keen to take a mid-week break and still work remotely, its time for ‘workation’!

Work-from-home is the definitive new normal: KPMG’s COVID-19 HR report reveals that 68 per cent organisations have incorporated work from home policies; Willis Towers Watson India states that 55 per cent companies have no end-date on work-from-home arrangements and Knight Frank indicating that over 70 per cent companies are likely to continue with work-from-home for at least the next six months.

Thomas Cook (India) has introduced the programme which includes a range of exciting short breaks and mid-week escapes at destinations close to home. According to a research by the travel company, the ongoing work-from-home model has given rise to an increasing work-weary/stressed population with the combined burden of official/business work and home-work/chores – more so in the absence of domestic help or the option of a break to enjoy a meal at a restaurant.

A range of destinations are on offer: including Jaipur, Agra, Kolkata, Mahabalipuram, Kovalam or even a staycation in Gurugram!

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. Said: “While work-from-home has clearly become our new normal, staying locked in and managing both business work and home work in the absence of any domestic help, adds significantly to our customer’s stress levels. With opening up of domestic aviation and easing of travel restrictions across the country, we are witnessing strong pent up travel demand. Our Workations are hence aimed at offering Indian’s a refreshing break from the burden and routine of working from home. Our wide range of destinations are selected with easy access and are attractively priced to ensure affordability.”

Meanwhile, the travel company along with its Group Company SOTC Travel Ltd., jointly launched eAssured’ – a comprehensive programme to safe travel in the COVID-19 era. The companies have partnered with Apollo Clinics to ensure health and safety protocols – at every stage of the customer journey – from the various contactless booking processes, safe physical outlets and processes at the sales/servicing pre tour stage, as well as the on-tour stage.

The Assured Program also defines a series of comprehensive health and safety measures in place across every travel touch-point from airports, airlines, local transportation, hotels, restaurants and attractions and encompasses employees and suppliers, sellers and channels, including franchisees & customers.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)