While keeping regular business hours and not missing a beat with client deliverables, REED team members explore a different part of the world through our Work Away program. This creative team benefit provides the flexibility to work anywhere in the world for up to one month and a stipend to cover expenses. While on their trip, REED team members connect with Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) colleagues – shout out to PRGN partner Media Profile for the idea! – and collect beneficial experiences to bring home to our clients. Read along for the latest adventure!
Tiffany Buchen’s Work Away to Croatia
Where did you spend your Work Away, and why did you choose that location?
While my home base for my Work Away program was Split, Croatia, I spent a large portion of my time adventuring in the surrounding cities and islands, including Trogir, Skradin, Omiš, Hvar and more!
When researching locations for my trip, Split truly checked all the boxes; working central standard time allowed me to still have a full day of experiencing all the city had to offer. It also provided a welcoming, coastal environment with a rich and deep history, easy transportation systems (while I spent most of my time walking, I also had access to the bus system and Uber during my trip) and, of course, incredible food and people.
What was the biggest adjustment you made as you settled into your temporary Work Away home?
The biggest adjustment I had to make was learning to slow down. The culture in the United States often glorifies “hustle” and quickness, highlights full schedules and measures days by productivity. But during my time in Croatia, I was introduced to the word “Pomalo,” a phrase that means “take it easy.” At first, it felt impossible to embrace and integrate into my own life. My instinct was to push forward, make plans and “get things done,” but the people around me reminded me that there’s no need to sprint through life.
Over time, slowing down became less of a foreign concept and more of a daily practice. I started to savor long lunch breaks, walk with no destination and appreciate the simplicity of things. Instead of fighting the slower pace, I began recognizing it as a gift; it was a way of being present rather than chasing what’s next. What once felt like a challenge quickly became a lesson in balance.
How did you connect with other PR professionals in your Work Away location?
I was able to connect with VRH Komunikacije. As one of the top agencies in Split, this incredible team was extremely welcoming as we discussed the similarities and differences of working in the same field, 5,100 miles apart.
It turns out, we’re not so different.
What is the best thing you ate or drank on your trip?
Wine…with every meal.
Besides the incredible wine I was able to try, Croatia offered an incredible cuisine inspired by traditional Italian and Mediterranean flavors. Alongside the many truffle pastas and pistachio, mortadella pizzas, I ended each night with gelato and a walk around Split Riva.
What sights did you see while you explored?
I spent many days exploring Split itself with one cooking class and one pastry class. In addition to this, I ventured north of Split to Krka National Park, where I was able to experience one of Europe’s largest waterfalls and enjoy the public beaches of Skradin.
During the weekend, I also took the time to experience whitewater rafting on the Cetina River, cliff jumping at Stiniva Beach on Island Vis, snorkeling at Islands Pakleni (Palmizana Beach), the glory of the Blue Cave and ATVing along the countryside.
Name one professional and one personal benefit to REED’s Work Away program.
Professional: Connecting with PR professionals from other countries shed light on new ways to expand my industry knowledge and bring a fresh approach to my current clients. It also creates a desire to think bigger and have a more global approach.
Personal: Without the help of REED’s Work Away program, a month-long experience in Split, Croatia, would have felt nearly impossible to attain, but I was provided a truly life-changing experience. Getting the opportunity to fully dive into the history and culture of an incredible country and its people.