Do you ever feel like taking a couple days or even weeks off from work but don’t have enough vacation time? Well, if you work for the Virgin Group, you can.
In his new book, Richard Branson says his employees are given unlimited vacation.
They can take a couple days, weeks or even months off whenever they like. The concept works under the assumption employees will only take breaks when they feel it won’t impact the company or their team.
The strategy could have some merit after a recent survey found 43 per cent of Canadians don’t use all of their vacation days and say they feel stressed out at work.
University of Manitoba professor Karen Keppler said, though, the concept could have drawbacks.
“Job security is a big think and especially for these competitive entrepreneurial type people that they’re offering it to,” she said.
Keppler said the concept could work for project-oriented companies but would be tough to implement in ones where there are deadlines every day.
Bold Innovation Group in Manitoba doesn’t offer free vacation but is equipped with games, free lunches and even beer on tap. They say the minimal-structure concept boosts company morale and productivity.
