For many employees – even those who enjoy working at their jobs – calling their office the happiest place in the world would be a bit of a stretch.
But Some Workplaces CAN Be the Happiest Place in the World
Some professionals, however, have found a way to make this a reality by taking their laptops to Disneyland.
A recent report by NBC News found that the practice is not even a secret anymore, and developed into a growing movement.
Freelance Journalists and Attorneys Working from Disneyland
The unconventional trend includes freelance journalists and lawyers sharing the theme park’s plug-and-work locations on social media.
Matt Richardson, who has been working remotely for the last two told NBC News: “What’s important to my employers is that I get my job done and that is my first priority no matter where I am in the world.”
Working and Having Fun
Richardson, who frequents the Orlando resort, realized that he could have fun, create content, and work at the tech company he serves remotely from the same location.
Speaking of the idea’s conception he said: “I wanted to take a trip down to Disney as things were coming back, and I kept working.”
“I opened up my laptop and kept emails going, which made me realize that I don’t necessarily have to be in my home in Ohio to get work done.”
“There are a few spots at Disneyland that are great for remote working, like the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge,” he told NBC News.
Disney Is Remote Worker Friendly
Leaving the gate open for others who aspire to be like Richardson, Disney Blogs offers information for remote professionals looking to get onto the bandwagon.
These antics are not limited to Florida. The theme park’s holding in California entertains at least one like-minded remote professional.
Caleb Graves is an attorney who ensures he gets the most out of his working day. He told NBC News: “I live pretty close to Disneyland, and I have a Magic Key, which is like the annual pass here. I’m able to go pretty frequently, and I will spend time during the day working as I need to.”
Not Everybody Is in Favor of the Trend
Dr. Stefan Meyer (speaking from his office) at Columbia Business School feels that there is the risk that these Disneyland-bound remote workers will eventually take “advantage of their employers.”
Meyer questions the trend saying: “What is kind of accepted, what is okay, what is just giving flexibility, and what is like a slippery slope into just taking more days off and phoning it in on a ride?”
There are Pitfalls
Meyer is not the only one who telegraphs concern, and there are graver implications than just the question of whether these employees are likely to call in sick on a whim.
According to Warwick Legal Network, there is the question of health and safety and the risk to company equipment that these employees need to consider.
Another sticky issue is possible tax liability issues for the employer.
There are Risks for the Employee Too
There are pitfalls for remote employees too, such as whether they will benefit from the legal rights in the jurisdiction they are working from, as in the case of Richardson, who is 1,000 miles away from home.
Whether Graves and Richardson’s employers, who are aware that the two are not exactly working from home, are also aware of these pitfalls, is unknown.
