72% of Canadians plan to take a “bizcation” this year: survey

“Bizcations” are an emerging trend in the workplace. This is where employees work and travel simultaneously without taking time off.

In a recent Allianz Global Assistance study conducted by Ipsos, one in four Canadians said that their employer allows them the benefit of taking a bizcation – blending remote work while on vacation.

The study also revealed that bizcations are a popular work perk as seventy two per cent of those who have the option plan on taking a bizcation this year.

Bizcations could also include tacking on a few days before or after a business trip.

Flexible work arrangements, like bizcations, are some of the most notable work-related outcomes of the pandemic – and something that many employees prioritize, the study says.

The mobile workplace has become the norm and innovative working arrangements have become a key factor in attracting talent.

“Bizcations are becoming increasingly popular, as we see the value younger generations place on travel,” stated Dan Keon, vice-president, marketing and insights at Allianz. “Our survey found that 82 per cent of those aged 18-34 will exercise their option to take a bizcation, while only 50 per cent of those over the age of 55 plan to do the same. As the workplace continues to evolve, the office can be anywhere and the travel industry must prioritize keeping people connected while vacationing.”

When it comes to accommodations, Allianz says it has seen the bizcation trend take shape with more access to Wi-Fi, workspaces, coworking spaces, charging ports, mobile connections and computers.

In the Allianz study, business travellers shared their top bizcation destinations:

• 32 per cent said they plan to travel within Canada, outside of their home province
• 24 per cent said they plan to travel to Mexico or the Caribbean
• 15 per cent said they plan to travel in the US
• 29 per cent said they plan to travel to some other international destination

Additionally, 89 per cent of Canadians say they will obtain travel insurance before their next travel adventure, the study says.

Allianz’s Winter Vacation Confidence Index Survey was conducted online by Ipsos in November 2022 among a sample of 2,005 Canadians aged 18+.

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