See the cities that topped the 'Work from Anywhere Index'
Bangkok has been ranked the world’s best city for workcations in 2026, according to International Workplace Group’s (IWG) annual Work from Anywhere Index. Tokyo and Barcelona placed second and third.
The finding lands as IWG research shows work from anywhere (WFA) policies have become a tangible lever in the competition for talent. Of workers surveyed, 80% said a WFA policy would make a new role more attractive. A further 62% said they would consider changing jobs for a better WFA offering.
The results will sharpen attention for HR leaders already navigating a competitive hiring market. Flexible work has moved beyond the office-versus-home debate. This year’s index suggests employees want the freedom to work from anywhere on the planet.
Work from anywhere as a recruitment lever
% of workers – IWG Work from Anywhere research, 2026
Work from Anywhere Index: How cities are ranked
IWG’s Work from Anywhere Index is now in its fourth year. It assesses cities on these criteria:
- climate
- broadband speed
- accommodation
- transport
- food
- culture
- workspace availability
Bangkok has topped the list for the first time, following prior winners Barcelona, Budapest and Tokyo. Here's the top 10 list:
- Bangkok
- Tokyo
- Barcelona
- Porto
- Vancouver
- Budapest
- Naples
- Medellin
- Lisbon
- Seoul
IWG described the mix as evidence that effective workcation destinations must combine connectivity, transport and workspace access with lifestyle appeal.
What the data means for HR teams
IWG commissioned research alongside the index. It revealed that half of workers surveyed (51%) said their employer already offers a work from anywhere policy. That figure signals the expectation is becoming mainstream rather than a perk reserved for senior or technical roles.
The productivity case is also gaining ground. Nine in ten workers said WFA had improved their work-life balance. Eight in ten reported a productivity gain.
Rising living costs are also shaping behaviour. Some 51% of respondents said cost pressures had made them more likely to use work from anywhere arrangements to extend holidays.
Almost half – 48% – plan to extend a holiday or mini-break through remote working in 2026. A further 46% said they are more likely to do so than last year.
Avoiding burnout was the most commonly cited motivation at 54%. Spending more time with family and friends followed at 53%. Making annual leave go further was cited by 52%.
Why workers want to extend trips through remote working
IWG Work from Anywhere research, 2026
Filling the work-from-anywhere guidance gap
Clear employer guidance remains the biggest enabler. Some 44% of workers said they would work remotely while travelling if they knew it would not affect how their work was perceived. A further 39% cited clearer employer guidance as a motivator.
Reliable Wi-Fi was the most important practical factor when choosing a remote work destination, cited by 38%, ahead of accommodation, food and transport.
Mark Dixon, executive chairman and founder of IWG, said the shift reflects structural change in how work is organised: "We’re seeing more workers than ever extending their trips to work remotely or choosing to spend longer periods abroad as digital nomads," Dixon said. "Thanks to hybrid working and cloud technology, employees now have the freedom to work wherever and whenever suits them best."
On business outcomes, Dixon said: ‘This trend is here to stay, with many companies adopting flexible working and work from anywhere policies for the long term. They not only improve work-life balance and reduce burnout but also deliver significant productivity gains.’
For HR leaders, the index is a prompt to treat work from anywhere policy as a recruitment and retention strategy, not an afterthought. Employers that provide clear guidance and flexible work policies are positioning themselves ahead of the competition.
