While full-time remote work has declined globally from its pandemic peak, it has evolved into hybrid work arrangements for many employees worldwide, including across South Africa’s professional landscape. This evolution offers both office structure and flexible workspace choices, and South Africans are discovering innovative ways to blend work and leisure into ‘workations’. The shift from the traditional idea of fully disconnecting during holidays or being entirely bound to an office is a key aspect of the hybrid work trend. Many professionals are now seeking a balance between work and leisure, which is how the concept of ‘workations’ has emerged.
Onwaba Gonyora, Director at the renowned Brahman Hills in the charming KwaZulu-Natal Midlands agrees. “We’re noticing a definite trend among some of our guests who are strategically using their hybrid work arrangements as part of their holiday planning,” she says. “Through a combination of work-from-home flexibility, public holidays, and/or annual leave, those professionals working in a hybrid setup are able to book extended stays at Brahman Hills.”
‘Workations’ aren’t just about a change of scenery and maximising downtime – they’re about enhancing productivity while experiencing different destinations. This is supported by research from Harvard Business School in 2024, which suggests that working in unfamiliar environments can boost creativity, while a Stanford University study in 2016 found that hybrid workers specifically were just as productive as their fully office-based peers.
“Our guests, like many other hybrid employees, are discovering firsthand that a fresh setting, combined with nature’s inspiration, can significantly enhance both well-being and productivity,” adds Gonyora. “And those with children can align their extended stays with school holidays, working remotely and enjoying a family holiday despite them working. This shift reflects a modern approach to work-life integration, where the boundaries between productivity and leisure have become intentionally flexible.”
Just imagine waking up to an early morning walk through the serene forest or the internationally acclaimed gardens of Brahman Hills, followed by productive virtual meetings and work deliverables. Mid-afternoons are spent relaxing in the jacuzzi, enjoying other fun family activities, and savouring dinners made with fresh produce grown on the property. It’s the perfect getaway for those looking to combine work with relaxation. “Working amidst nature, with fresh mountain air and spectacular views, adds a new dimension to productivity and while the hybrid professional is busy crafting that inspired presentation, the Midlands offers a range of attractions to keep family and friends entertained,” Gonyora elaborates.
With South Africa’s 2025 calendar practically begging for adventure, it presents strategic opportunities to transform ordinary workdays into productive getaways. Many public holidays fall close to weekends or align in ways that enable long breaks without the need for many leave days. It’s a great year for taking advantage of ‘workations’ or extended holidays—a treasure trove of extended weekends waiting to be unlocked. Here are a few highlights to mark in your diary:
• Human Rights Day: Falls on a Friday (March 21) – perfect for a three-day escape.
• Freedom Day and Workers’ Day: April 27 (Sunday) and May 1 (Thursday) make for a dreamy 5-day getaway if you take one day of leave on April 30.
• Youth Day: Monday, June 16 – another built-in long weekend.
• Heritage Day: Wednesday, September 24 – book two days off, and you’ve got a five-day retreat.
The rise of ‘workations’ represents more than just a trend – it’s a reflection of how South Africans are reimagining the boundaries between work and leisure. “With South Africa’s 2025 calendar offering such a favourable alignment of public holidays, the opportunity to blend productivity with exploration has never been better. It’s time to turn those office hours into adventure hours,” Gonyara concludes.