The ultimate work perk? This company offers a free accommodation in Spain.

Some workers go to great lengths to hide hush trips from their bosses.

But employees of the Polish company PhotoAid needn’t bother.

The company offers its employees free accommodation in Spain, but requires them to work while they are there.

The apartment is located on Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, an archipelago situated west of Morocco. Employees can remain in the apartment for up to three weeks at a time and can visit as many times as they desire in a year, based on the needs of other employees.

The company reimburses up to 1,000 Polish zlotys ($246) for employees' airfare, and flights from Warsaw to Tenerife can start at around $150 for a six-hour direct flight.

In the summer of 2022, the company began renting an apartment in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, as a way to foster relationships and boost employee morale among its remote workers, according to co-founder Rafal Mlodzki.

The Mlodzki brothers, who are also co-founders of the company, wanted to provide a unique perk to their employees.

How the ‘workcations’ work

Mlodzki stated that although PhotoAid has a youthful workforce, many employees do not have children. However, those who do often band together and utilize the benefit during the summer months when schools are out.

He stated that employees have the option to request that their partners accompany them, and the company evaluates each request on an individual basis.

He stated that employees must follow certain rules, including the check-in and check-out procedures. Upon arrival, employees must take a photo of the apartment and upload it, then do the same on departure to provide the next group with a visual representation of how they left it.

While employees are assigned cleaning tasks on arrival, the company employs a professional cleaner for deep cleans, he stated. Although wine and chatting on the balcony into the night are common, employees are not permitted to drink during work hours, he added.

Tenerife is a popular destination for employees to visit with coworkers who share their interests. Examples include playing sports or attending music concerts.

‘The best onboarding in the world’

Many of PhotoAid's employees, including new starters, have been staying at the Tenerife apartment and meeting their teammates in person for the first time.

Mlodzki stated that one of the reasons for opening the office was to provide the best onboarding experience for senior team members. The onboarded team members are not only satisfied but also have a deep understanding of the company and their role within it.

Spontaneous moments often arise, such as after a series of 45-minute sets with 10-minute breaks, we might go on a mini mountain trip and continue onboarding informally. It might even transition into an evening on the terrace.

Our new chief operating officer was deeply impressed during his onboarding in Tenerife, as it was unlike any he had experienced before.

Two senior leaders have planned a strategic planning and brainstorming session at their apartment during winter, with average temperatures in January being 68 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than the 34 F average in Warsaw.

The apartment

The apartment, measuring 3,200 square feet, offers a stunning view of the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It features three bedrooms, a large living area with board games, two balconies, and a small gym. Additionally, there are eight workspaces equipped with high-speed internet, computer monitors, and ergonomic chairs.

A bakery is located next door, and nearby are restaurants, bars, wineries, and vermuterias.

Workation as a ‘wow’ factor

Aleksandra Staromiejska, who was interviewing, highlighted the Tenerife benefit that made PhotoAid stand out. Currently, she works as a digital public relations specialist and stayed in the apartment for two weeks in May with a colleague from her team.

She completed her work early to spend more time at the beach, which is a 20-minute bus ride away. Over the weekend, she and her colleague went hiking in the Anaga mountains.

I wanted to finish my work day quickly so I could go to the beach," said Staromiejska. "I noticed my productivity levels were higher.

"The trip was very relaxing. Being in nature rejuvenated me. I felt refreshed," she stated.

The Spanish apartment is often mentioned in employee satisfaction surveys, said Mlodzki.

Candidates consistently respond favorably to the advantageous aspect of our recruitment process.

A vacay with the boss?

Mlodzki, enamored by the culture and scenery, spends half his time in Warsaw and half in Tenerife, residing in the master bedroom at PhotoAid’s apartment.

He acknowledged that some people might feel nervous about spending so much time with their boss, but he said it's great for building rapport.

"Getting to know more people is fascinating for me, and receiving and giving feedback is highly enriching," he stated.

The investment has been worth it, from leasing the apartment to paying for employees' flights, as Mlodzki stated.

The Tenerife office is viewed as the "company energizer" with the objective of revitalizing employees and enhancing team morale, which can be diminished by remote work.