Teleworking is a way of working that is already well established in most companies. Companies are going further in their approach and offering the opportunity to some of their employees to work remotely abroad. This is the case of Eva, who decided to share with us her experience as a world worker in Costa Rica.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words and explain to us how this experience began for you?
My name is Eva Grall and I have been a production assistant for 2 years at the visa agency Visamundi. Working in tourism, thedesire to travel is omnipresent in my home. One day, while looking at LinkedIn, I came across a special offer from Holiworking offering me the opportunity to telework in their new destination: Costa Rica. I filled out the form and started contacting the company. For me, it was really a solution to get out of my routine and keep the security of my job. I decided to leave 3 months to test if this solution suited me.
How did you manage to convince your employer?
Holiworking produced a quote and explained to me the steps to take beforehand. When I had all the information in my possession, I was able to talk about it in meetings and by email to my managers. They immediately accepted because I had prepared all the arguments and ultimately, it was a solution for increase staff loyalty. The only issue that required discussion was the time difference. We have therefore adapted my working hours so that I do not encounter any problems on site.
How manage jet lag upon arriving in the country, and with colleagues at work?
The first week was complicated, because I started work straight away. I also had to adapt to the rhythm and settle down with the team in France. I would say my adaptation took a week and a half. Being in contact with clients, I had to organize the time at which I was going to interact with them, taking into account the time difference. I also had to adapt to spending only an hour together with my colleagues. But this was filled with the people present in the coworking.
How do you think we can provide remote monitoring employees ? Advices ?
My manager was able to easily follow me remotely through the collaborative tools which we already used on a daily basis. She was able to follow my activity and I therefore had no problems on site. We were continually in contact to make developed and to avoid feeling abandoned. We did video calls once a week with the whole team so I could even meet the new team recruits.
What qualities do you think you should have as a teleworker? Is everyone made for remote teleworking?
To start, I think you have to be autonomous, because from a distance, it is always more complicated to ask for help. It's necessary adapt easily, because being on the other side of the world, our living environment and workplace change completely. It is necessary to demonstrate communication with your manager, have a good relationship made of trust. Not everyone can do that.
It's more challenging to go alone because you no longer have any reference points at all. For me, it's an excuse to have a family, be in a relationship or whatever because everyone can eventually leave. You just have to agree to shake up your daily life. I met a lot of couples in coworking who had children. It's just that it's better to stay longer in this case so as not to disturb them and for them to follow their schooling normally.
What did you learn during this experience abroad?
This trip allowed me to reassure myself in the idea that I was capable of get out of my comfort zone and do things alone. I improved my Spanish a lot there.
Can you tell us about the teleworkers you met in your coworking?
There were a lot of people passing through with professions different from mine. I met an engineer, a private language teacher, an IT employee and freelancers. Longer-term expatriates also came regularly.
Did you manage to respect your working hours from a distance ?
I often took a slightly longer break at lunchtime to enjoy the sun. I was adapting to the climate. But I always respected my 8 hours of work per day. There was a real flexibility between me and my manager so that I can discover the place. As long as my work was done, that was the main thing.
Do you think this is a solution to staying within a company and avoiding routine?
Yes, after covid, we all felt a lack of travele. So instead of dropping everything and going to the other side of the world, finally, we can do it, but without taking any risks and while keeping our job. It allows you to escape from routine and is a real advantage for the company. But I don't consider this a miracle solution, because the person must still be at least fulfilled in their work to fully live this experience.
How did your re-acclimatization go when you returned to France?
Very good, I just accumulated fatigue. I was happy to find my habits, my colleagues and my working hours. Even though I'm already looking forward to to reiterate experience.
Do you think this could boost someone’s career?
Yes, because it proves our ability to adapt and challenge ourselves. I managed to get out of my comfort zone andopen up to another culture. I was able to develop personally and I think this is an asset to highlight on my CV soon. Ultimately, I am a mobile employee and I might consider an international offer in the future, even if this is not yet planned in the program. The possibility of teleworking abroad has become a new criterion for me, in a business.