Working at a travel company, my colleagues and I spend our days booking other people’s dream holidays, and writing about exciting tourism destinations that we may never actually visit ourselves. So we know first-hand how it feels to wish you were lounging on an exotic island instead of being slumped at your desk. In order to maintain some level of sanity, we’ve come up with ways that you can turn your office into a dream vacation.
- You don’t wear heels or a suit on holiday. So dress the part with slipslops and a sarong, wear that sailor-stripe outfit, or pull out your khaki cargos and get ready for a day of fun.
- Complete your explorer look by switching your briefcase or handbag for a backpack. Don’t forget your water bottle, hat, snack bar, and first-aid kit. You can never be too well prepared.
- When you get to the office, hand your luggage to the nearest colleague and ask them to show you to your room. Don’t forget to tip!
- Greet colleagues with words like “Aloha”, “Bula”, or “Jambo” – whichever fits with your destination of choice!
- Stick tropical pictures on your wall, or save to your desktop, to create a more believable out-of-office experience.
- Position pot plants around your desk for an immediate jungle effect. Alternatively, paint your walls green!
- Buy a bag of sand and create your own beach around your desk, outside, or even in the foyer. A beach ball, towel, and camping chair will complete the effect. Go the extra mile and add an inflatable splash pool!
- Play a CD with the sounds of streams and waterfalls, lions roaring in the distant bushveld, or tropical birds singing in the rainforest. If you choose a soundtrack of whale and dolphin calls, put on some goggles to complete the underwater experience.
- To start your day, bring a skottle and fry up some bacon and eggs. Top it off with some toast and baked beans for a real camper’s breakfast.
- Bring binoculars and a camera to document your expedition.
- Your wheelie office chair makes a great game drive vehicle to venture around the wild workplace. Should your chair not have wheels, use it as a makeshift hide. Remember, stealth is key!
- Zhoozsh up your coffee mug or glass of water with a cocktail umbrella, for an instant tropical touch.
- Nothing screams “Beach!” more than coconut-scented sunblock or tanning lotion. Spread liberally.
- Love those safari nights under the stars, sitting around the boma fire? Recreate it by adding marshmallows to your coffee (or hot chocolate if you have a cool office like us), wrap a blanket around your shoulders, turn off the lights, and make a mini bonfire in your office waste basket. (It may be wise to keep a fire extinguisher nearby.)
- A road trip isn’t complete without padkos. Pack a flask and some tasty treats like biltong, nuts, chips, and chocolate, and have a picnic in the sunshine.
- Every now and then, phone your colleagues for room service.
- If your dream vacation includes a round of golf, bring your putter and a golf ball, and practice your putting.
- Bring a selection of wines and host your own tasting session.
- If your office complex has a water feature, make the most of it by bringing your fishing rod and a camper chair. You’ll enjoy hours of outdoor bliss. Alternatively, use that inflatable splash pool.
- The same water feature or splash pool will make for a refreshing dip. And you can work on your holiday tan. Everyone will be jealous of your bronzed bod!
Happy office holiday!
What other great ideas do you have to share with us?
