Unlimited leave anyone?
I read with interest recently that a well known organisation was introducing unlimited annual leave for their senior staff to try and attract new talent into their business.
This sounds like a great deal. I mean, who doesn’t want unlimited holidays right?!
I think that the reality of unlimited leave is far more complicated. Especially in that particular organisation where it was reported that senior staff have to be mandated to take a minimum of 3 weeks leave per year, and at least 1 week needs to be consecutive days…. and where graduates have been working up to 95 hours per week (but no unlimited leave for those guys I see!)
Obviously, without the right organisational structure and culture, unlimited leave will only ever be a meaningless gimmick.
I mean, what’s the point if;
Work pressures, deadlines and expectations make it impossible?
Your salary and bonuses are linked to work expectations that make it difficult to even take ‘normal’ leave?
No one knows who determines what a fair amount of leave is? What if you take ‘too much’? How does it impact your peers? What conflicts might that produce?
We take a different approach here at 50 Degrees. Everyone get the same annual leave entitlements. And leaders lead by example – setting the right tone so that the whole team can benefit from an appropriate work/life balance (cycling/hat buying/watching Glasgow Rangers/reading incredibly in-depth books about war/buying dog costumes).
It’s not all about money or stunts (like unlimited leave) to attract great people. Increasingly we are attracting brilliant people wanting to escape the corporate rat race, where they could potentially earn more.
Instead, we find that our people value other things like:
A warm, supportive, friendly place to work
A flexible environment, recognising people have a life outside of work
Working with other talented, fun professionals who do a brilliant job
Great clients and interesting, challenging work
Profit sharing and other rewards that encourage true collaborative working across the business (including our totally awesome graduates)
Tailored wellbeing plans, and support for people to be fit and mentally healthy
No corporate politics or BS!
If that sounds like you please get in touch. We are always on the look out for new people to join the 50 Degrees team!
You can find details on the Careers section of this very website.
Matt Wells
Head of Wellbeing