After Microsoft’s unlimited paid-time off policy made headlines last week, discussion about this seemingly too-good-to-be-true arrangement came to the forefront.
Microsoft isn’t the only organization to embrace this model: Adobe and Netflix are just a few other companies that have adopted unlimited time-off. But what are the pros and unspoken cons of this arrangement?
For starters, the simple statement of unlimited paid-time off is enticing to top talent, meaning it is easier for companies to pique the interest of applicants. In fact, a study from Glassdoor shows that companies who included some type of unlimited policies received positive reviews.
Aside from just seeming like a nice perk, allowing employees to choose when they take time off can help them address their mental health needs better. By having a gauge on their capacity, workers will feel less likely to drive themselves to burnout in order to complete tasks.
However, unlimited paid-time off also has a grim side. Some companies have noted that employees feel too guilty or scared to take time off, leading them to take very little if any. In order to avoid this, employers should be honest about their expectations when it comes to taking time off.
In addition to recommending the ideal amount of time to take off, employers also have a responsibility to ensure that employees are not abusing the system and timing their vacations so they don’t greatly overlap with other colleagues.
