Enreach Customer Support team’s workation in Málaga

A group of six from the Enreach Customer Support team recently spent a week working from a villa in Málaga. Fiona Kemp – Project Manager at Enreach for Enterprises – shares their experiences and offers insights for teams thinking about a similar adventure.

The experience of working together on a trip

"It was just as we had hoped," Fiona reflects. "Going with people you're somewhat familiar with is crucial. It's different from day-to-day office life, but knowing each other well helped us adapt to living and working together for a week."

Preparation and practical lessons

Though they planned in advance, the team encountered some unexpected technical needs. "We realised the villa didn’t have enough outlets and had to buy extension cords. Our work setup was mostly around a large dining table, which was fine for general tasks but challenging for private meetings. Finding a quiet spot was essential at times."

Flexible workspaces

Fiona enjoyed the flexibility of working outdoors. "Being able to sit in the sun for meetings was great. Since our work is quite independent, we could choose different spots to work from, whether indoors or out."

Why Málaga?

"Málaga was a natural choice," Fiona explains. "Some of us had holidayed there for years. Its connection to Enreach, with Enreach labs and clients’ local offices, also played a part. We even shared festive gift baskets with Finnish treats with our local colleagues and clients.”

Balancing work and leisure time

Their structured work schedule helped balance work with relaxation. "Our customer support lines open at 8:00 AM and they close at 4:00 PM Finnish time. So that meant that we had to be working from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Spanish time. After work, we all switched off from work mode and enjoyed our evenings, often starting with a group dinner."

A typical day on the workation

Days began with everyone having breakfast together. Work periods were self-managed, an approach often essential for remote team dynamics. With most gathering for lunch, it offered a chance for casual team interaction. "Once our workday ended, it was clear that it was time to relax and enjoy our time together in the evenings," Fiona added.

Exploring local culture

The team stayed near the scenic Puerto Marina in Benalmadena and explored nearby areas like Fuengirola and Malaga city. "We had memorable evenings out, especially enjoying the local tapas. We discovered a fantastic restaurant that was a culinary highlight for all of us."

Time management and recovery

Fiona recommends planning recovery time after the trip. "We felt a bit tired from the mix of work and travel. Having a day off or even just a half-day after returning is important to rest and readjust to your regular routine."

Strengthening team connections

"We already had a strong bond, but this trip gave us more shared experiences, making our team relationship even better. It's important to maintain a professional attitude," Fiona advises.

 "While it's a unique experience, respecting each other's personal space and work needs is key. It's a blend of being on vacation and working remotely."

Looking forward to the next workation

The team is already planning their next trip, possibly with more colleagues. "Next time, we might need two villas. We're considering everyone's work needs, especially for those who require quiet for customer interactions."

Fiona’s 3 key learnings and tips for planning a workation

1. Preparation is key: Make sure your accommodation has the necessary facilities for work, like a good internet connection and enough power outlets. Remember, a comfortable workspace is crucial for productivity.
2. Schedule and routine matter: Maintain a clear distinction between work hours and leisure time. This helps in managing expectations and ensures that everyone can relax and enjoy the trip without compromising work commitments.
3. Embrace flexibility and respect boundaries: Be adaptable with your work environment, but also be mindful of each team member's need for privacy and focus, especially during work hours. This balance is vital for a harmonious and productive workation.

Come and join us!

Interested in joining a team that values work-life balance and innovative work experiences? Enreach is always on the lookout for new talent. If you're looking for a place where you can grow and showcase your skills, we'd love to meet you.