Secret remote working ‘hush trips’ are on the rise. Their pros and cons

By wazup on November 1, 2023 Comments Closed / 91 views

You’ve probably heard of “workations” that combine work travel with leisure trips, often in desirable locations. But there’s a new twist on this trend: the “hush trip”, in which employees don’t tell their bosses they’re actually working from holiday locales.

These secret getaways by remote workers while on the clock seem to be gaining in popularity and frequency, although many companies frown upon this activity.

A hush trip can be defined as an excursion where an employee works remotely, usually in a holiday spot, without disclosing to their boss or colleagues where they’re temporarily located, according to Vicki Salemi, a career expert with employment website Monster.

“Hush trips are growing more popular because more workers see opportunities to work remotely in places other than their homes,” she says.

“Hush trips” are becoming more popular as employees are seeing benefits in working somewhere other than at home or the office. Photo: Shutterstock

Joshua Bienstock, an associate professor at New York Institute of Technology’s School of Management and a practising employment and labour lawyer, says he understands why hush trips have become more common.

“Employees are stressed out in a 24/7 world,” he says. “As more workplaces recognise the utility of remote work, many employees can do their work in any place. So the thinking seems to be, ‘Why not combine my work and vacation by taking a hush trip?’”

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If you are thinking about taking a hush trip, it’s important to weigh the pluses and minuses of this decision.

“The pros of taking a hush trip during the upcoming holiday season are to combine the best of both worlds – being able to work from an enjoyable location and get paid for it,” Salemi says. “As soon as you log off, you can quickly toggle to vacation mode, which may make you happier and more productive.”

Hush trips can also enable you to travel at non-peak times, such as flying midweek on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, when rates are often cheaper.

Be discreet when taking a hush trip, and don’t publicise your actions on social media

Andrew Lokenauth, a personal finance expert at Fluent in Finance

On the other hand, it’s easy to get distracted during a hush trip. “The holiday season can feel more chaotic and stressful than non-holiday times of the year. Being in a new location and trying to concentrate on work with distractions at your fingertips may be challenging and could compound your stress,” Salemi says.

The biggest disadvantage of engaging in a hush trip is that there is a possibility your company could find out. This could land you in hot water with your employer – perhaps jeopardising your job.

Andrew Lokenauth, a personal finance expert and owner of financial education platform Fluent in Finance, says hush trips are discouraged by most businesses.

The pros of “hush trips” include the ability to work from an enjoyable location, but you could land yourself in hot water if your boss finds out. Photo: Shutterstock

“Employers have concerns about productivity, security and liability,” he says. “But some will tolerate a hush trip if it’s done discreetly and the work is completed to satisfaction.”

Ideally, employers would encourage workations, creating cultures in which employees don’t need to keep secrets from them – including where they’re working from.

“But other employers may have the mindset that everyone needs to be accountable and only work in the office or from a home office where they know your technology is reliable and where you can be easily reached,” Salemi says.

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“Even though you may be doing an amazing job and can work well or even better while sitting on the beach, there may be a stigma around it.”

“A hush trip can positively impact employees who plan on travelling for the holidays,” Salemi adds. “For instance, maybe the trip involves staying with relatives who bring you immense joy. Rather than having to choose between working from home or seeing your relatives, you can do both.”

The bottom line? Think carefully about taking a hush trip between now and the New Year celebrations, rather than telling your employer you’re going on a “workation”. The latter may prove less risky and stressful, but still allow you to enjoy some needed leisure time in a desirable spot.

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“Do your research ahead of time to ease worries and anxiety,” Salemi says. “Your destination should have a dedicated workspace and fast internet speed so you won’t miss a beat.

“Consider time zone differences, as well. If you are going overseas and it’s six hours earlier, ensure that you are working the same six hours that you would have been if you had remained at home.”

Lokenauth agrees. “Be discreet when taking a hush trip, and don’t publicise your actions on social media,” he says. “Try to sync your schedule with your coworkers to avoid suspicions. And limit long or frequent hush trips to avoid getting caught.”