The phenomenon of unlimited vacation days is hot. Following Netflix as the best-known employer with unlimited vacation days, more and more companies are following in its footsteps.
And why not?
Experiences at companies such as Netflix and LinkedIn show that employees really appreciate the freedom. Indeed, it makes employees feel more responsible for their work and their team. They feel more connected to the company and its goals and also carry this outward.
Attracts new talent
Moreover, it counts as quite an advantage in attracting new talent. Not only do you thereby indicate that health and well-being are high priorities. You are also signaling that, as a company, you want to work with reliable people who know their responsibilities. And say it yourself, what sounds like a more attractive offer; 24 days off or unlimited vacation days?
A major reason why employers don't offer unlimited vacation days is the fear of abuse. Do you already have some colleagues in mind who are going to abuse this arrangement? If so, they are probably already running roughshod over it, not delivering optimal work and possibly acting as disruptors within your company.
Then, instead of considering unlimited vacation days, it would be better to spend time getting these colleagues back-on-track first. Or start saying goodbye to them.
People take too few vacation days
Of course, there are conditions that must be met for the concept of unlimited vacation days to succeed. Most important, of course, is that the work well done. Although this also applies with a fixed number of vacation days, it requires even clearer roles and planning, transparency and employee involvement.
In addition, you should also monitor unlimited vacation days. If only to make sure that everyone is taking at least the minimum of the legally required 20 days per year. Believe it or not, companies that have already been om experienced as main challenge That employees take vacation time at all. Because of an overly high sense of loyalty to the company and co-workers, employees may still want to take too few vacation days.
More calm and productive at work
Ultimately, then, the responsibility lies with the team. Together you decide how the work is done and who can get away when. And that in turn provides an additional sense of autonomy.
Dutch tech company Bynder, which has been offering unlimited vacation days to its employees for 2 years, is experiencing particularly positive effects. Its employees are taking more rest than before and, as a result, are a piece more productive. On average, the number of days off taken at Bynder now out at 25 (compared to 19 days before passage).
Only for hip startups?
Now I hear you thinking, "This is a nice initiative for the hip, new tech companies, where the money is pumping against the skirting boards and where everyone wants to work anyway. This is nothing for my business."
Yet more and more companies are considering offering unlimited vacation days. ING recently launched with a pilot and even the City Council of the Municipality of Aalten, a relatively small municipality in the Achterhoek, has been offering its employees unlimited vacation days for 6 years. Teams here are given the task of arranging it among themselves. With very satisfied and productive employees as a result.
Maybe something to think about during the upcoming summer weeks anyway?
Happy vacations!
