As Covid continues to dominate lives across the globe, the idea of a sea change is attractive for fed-up employees. Those who have steadfastly remained working from their home office, dining table, or guest bedroom, are yearning for change, keen to join this rising trend.
The working from the beach (WFB) dream was originally seen as career foolhardy but has gained momentum amongst my friends! More and more we find people arriving here in Phuket with the longer-term aim to WFB. Even now where the end of home working is in sight and perhaps workplaces will reopen.
Here in Thailand, working from the beach has never been more attractive and of course, we have wonderful beach options!
How to make the WFB change?
Here are my tips for how to successfully navigate a WFB change.
I will outline the benefits, we have found for both the employer and employee with our remote beachside working, just in case you need the arguments ready to convince either your partner or your boss!
We’re talking about mental health, increased productivity, and greater employee retention…
Read on for all this and more!
This article was originally published in April in Expat Life in Thailand. Whilst this applied to Thailand, I am hearing that across the globe others too have, or are considering, a sea change.
I will be forever grateful to Phuket for this lifestyle at this time.
We have gained a lifestyle free from lockdown and strict health restrictions. Phuket opened to vaccinated international arrivals through the Phuket Sandbox scheme. This offers a quarantine-free entry with beaches, restaurants, parks, gyms, hairdressers, shopping centers, and hotel swimming pools remaining open.
Is it any wonder that those in tight lockdowns across the world
are looking for ways to change and have more Zen in their lives?
For more see Phuket Sandbox: Would you, could you, should you?
Yoga Kata Rocks
The growth of WFB
There is a rise of new digital nomads enjoying Thailand this way.
In today’s world, the new digital nomad is as much likely to be a
60-year-old President of a large corporation, as a 25-year-old Instagram or Blogger star!
A desk with a view at The Naka Island
Advantages for Employers
Be seen as a great employer… staff retention… employee happiness…. staff resilience
Working in a pandemic-constrained world is here to stay for a while.
Be seen as a great employer
Employers across the globe are always looking to attract top talent, cut costs and increase productivity.
In today’s tough economic operating environments retaining the very best staff when companies are limping along is a massive challenge. Organisations operating with furloughed staff, reduced workforces, and in some instances offering reduced salary packages need to find some way to distinguish themselves as employers of choice.
Staff retention
Offering flexible working opportunities is always an attractive retention tool to retain key workers and build loyalty amongst employees.
Staff happiness…. staff resilience
The bottom line: Employers who offer and encourage remote working conditions for their team members without them feeling guilty, will in the long term enhance the mental health and wellbeing of the employees while creating loyalty and improving productivity.
Working From Beach at Trisara Villas, Phuket
Advantages for Employees
“That beach view and the sea air energize me. We are convinced that rather than the beach as a tempting distraction, we are more focused and so grateful for this opportunity” As we tell anyone who will listen.
Extending resilience
2020 was all about workloads increasing immeasurably because of the unplanned and unpredicted pandemic. Companies scrambled to adapt to the new normal with the thought that the new ways of working were temporary. 2021 finds the impact of the pandemic continuing and many workers in key jobs are exhausted.
Avoiding burn out
Burnout is a real threat now given the longevity of the situation.
Most successful workers didn’t get where they are today in the immortal words of Reggie Perrin without a high degree of stamina and resilience but this is continuing unchartered territory.
Reducing stress
There has been no relief, the continued uncertainty of the global economic trading situation puts immense stress on all aspects of the workforce.
A healthier lifestyle
We are exercising more in Phuket, getting our 10,000 steps is no problem when we wake to the roar of the ocean, the birds singing and the beach waiting for us for an early morning stroll before work.
Are we happier? Hell, yes!
Does being happier make us work harder, not as such, we are professionals but loving the working environment and being more positive does have an impact on all aspects of our lives, including work.
The Boathouse Kata Beach, Phuket
Why work from the beach in Thailand?
The connectivity factor
It is something that all the Digital Nomads have known for years. Thailand and its high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity is fantastic for remote working. We have found the WIFI better and faster here than in our Bangkok apartment.
The medical factor
We have a high degree of confidence in the medical facilities here in Thailand. Thailand was a major centre pre-pandemic for medical tourism. Sure if you are very remote you will have issues.
For us, Phuket’s two main private hospitals, Phuket International Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Phuket are both staffed with doctors and coordinators who speak English and other foreign languages.
Used to internationals
Generally speaking, the major beach areas of Thailand are used to international visitors. We have found in Phuket the English language and services excellent, better even than in Bangkok
Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus locals are welcoming
We have never ever felt anything other than immense gratitude from the people of Phuket that we are here supporting their island.
Staff at The Surin Phuket, pleased to welcome back guests again
Here are the answers to some of the questions asked by our friends about our WFB experience.
Some frequently asked questions
Isn’t Working from the Beach a waste of money? We are trying to save.
We firmly believe life’s too short not to maximising what is on offer here in Thailand. This is a temporary window of opportunity; once tourists return in big numbers prices will increase, beaches will fill up, it may be less attractive!
We are fortunate to have retained work when many have lost their jobs or are on a reduced salary. Our expenditure in Phuket is providing others with work and income, and it is our way of putting something back into the local community.
I need to lead from the front; I can’t be seen dossing off at the beach!
This was easier than we thought. Apart from comments like “you look well, tanned, happy” whilst the office life continues with the home working mandate remote working from the beach will be our preferred option for the quality of life it affords.
I need to sign important banking documents in person
Come and take a bow at Kerry Express, Thailand’s leading parcel delivery service. It is impressive how quickly a package can get around Thailand their next-day delivery service covers 99.9% of the Thai population and 97% of the parcels are delivered at the first attempt. In a multitude of closed businesses, Kerry Express is one that seems to be riding the storm well.
Anantara Mai Khao Villas
How to successfully work from the beach
No one ever swapped regular office work for WFB
to find they had less time at their desks.
We did find out the hard way, with a few dodgy backs that ensuring you have the basics for working from another location, desks, chairs, and the importance of checking the Wi-Fi.
Where can I go for a WFB Workcation?
Thailand’s initial reopening through the Phuket Sandbox scheme from July 1st will be continually expanded. You can check out the latest details here at the Tourism Authority of Thailand website.
WFB in Phuket
Check out my post: How to choose an SHA Plus hotel you will love including nearly 40 Phuket hotels and resorts we have loved.
We find the best offers & flash sales appear via Facebook, rather than on the hotel’s main websites.
In addition look for those hotels that understand your needs for working. Several hotels are now offering free co-working spaces for guests.
Dusit Workcation Space
Dusit Thani Laguna
The Dusit Thani Laguna is a leader in recognising the importance of offering the right WFB environment for their guests. They have established their beachfront Casuarina restaurant as a ‘Work by the Sea‘ location.
In addition, our two-bedroom pool villa offers a myriad of desk space choices from the dining room table, a possible workspace in every bedroom, or even depending on your WFB requirements outside on your private oceanview decking, or rooftop by the pool! Shush that’s what those privacy screens on Zoom are for!
With their great pricing for a high-end luxury market and proximity to the airport, it’s one of the best great WFB choices on the island.
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
Check out the WFH: Work from Hotel deal. The rooms are older which means larger than many and with a good desk. At this resort on the fabulous Karon Beach, you will find the water park and swimming pool area that will be loved by the whole family.
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort
We had an amazing weekend stay at this hotel but this resort is not just about relaxation. They have created a Co-Working Space offering a good working environment for everyone.
Their workspace starts at only 450 baht per day and snacks and drinks are available around the clock, free Wi-Fi, scanners and printers, and a 10% discount from the restaurant.
Special privileges for guests with the Long Stay Promotion:
- Stay 14 nights or more, get a free co-working space!
- Stay less than 14 nights, get a 50% discount on coworking spaces.
Twin Palms MontAzure
These new modern-styled apartments have plenty of space and include a dining room table and separate bedrooms. Plenty of people are working all kinds of weird all-night-long hours here. We even heard that some were renting an extra room Monday to Friday as an office! Based on Kamala Beach, you have restaurants and great coffee shops within easy walking distance.
Pullman Phuket Arcadia
We booked the Work and Play in Phuket package at the Pullman Phuket Arcadia with discounts for longer stays. If you are looking to combine five-star luxury work hard by day, whilst still having a ‘this is bloody brilliant’ conversation with your happy partner at dinner, look no further.
Pictured below is the connectivity lounge private workspace, they understand the requirements of their working from the beach guests and did all they could to help. On Naithorn beach, close to the airport, of special mention their food and their healthy eating poke bowls for the stressed executive!
Pullman Phuket Arcadia
Anantara Vacation Club
The spacious two-bedroom family pool suite at Anantara Vacation Club offers plenty of workspace and a large dining room table. Like the Centara Grand, the water park will be enjoyed by all and is a short stroll to Mai Khao beach. We didn’t see their villas but as AVC is one of the best value 5-star resorts, they would be definitely worth checking out.
Dewa Resort
We stayed in a good value one-bedroom apartment for our working from beach stay. This resort is conveniently placed close to the Airport in North Phuket. Although not specifically promoting WFB stay they were super helpful in providing additional desk space. The wifi was good and they already have a number of residents working from here.
A lovely resort with green lush gardens, a short stroll to both Nai Yang beach and the National Park. Check out their Vaccinated Traveler package
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I hope this has given you some reassurance if you are considering a WFB lifestyle of the benefits for both you and your organisation.
Thailand has so much to offer for working from the beach lifestyle. This is an ever-changing pandemic situation, we decide week by week whether to remain in Phuket. We do not plan ahead – such is life these days.
However, if and when the covid dust finally settles, I know we will look back on this time as an incredible period in our professional lives, a blessed opportunity that I am glad we grasped.
Does anyone else fancy a sea change? Who is up for the working from the beach lifestyle?
8 comments
Hello,
If I wasn’t already retired, I would love to work from the beach. The beach is a happy place.
Have a happy day and a great weekend!
The beach has certainly become my happy place too Eileen. Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely weekend.
Sounds like a good sollution, but I am glad I don’t have to take advantage of it, being long-retired by this time. Your beaches are so beautiful!
Thank you Sallie – the beaches in Phuket are really lovely. We are blessed to have an incredible beach view every day at the moment.
Have a lovely weekend.
I guess these days you can work from almost anywhere 🙂
Lovely photographs on your post.
All the best Jan
Yes, thankfully we can! I’m not sure I would have got through the last year without our working from the beach option. Thanks for stopping by Jan
If we look close, there have been some good to come out of the pandemic. Digital remote work and medical appointments are two. I hope Covid leaves but the new ways to connect stay. – Margy
I am loving this revolution and working from the beach! Great article, and I totally agree, the beach makes everyone happy, I know it does me!