Even if you offer generous vacation benefits, there’s always going to be that one person who refuses to take time off and burns out because of it. But not at this company. It’s created a clever way of preventing employees from burning the candle at both ends.
The Motley Fool, a financial services company based in Alexandria, VA, has created “The Fool’s Errand.”
It’s a ritual where all 250 employees gather, put their names in one hat and wait to see who’s is drawn. That person is then required to take two consecutive weeks off, reported FastCompany.com.
But here’s the kicker: The two weeks must be taken immediately — within the ensuing month.
The company says this provides three benefits for both employees and the business:
- It makes sure employees are taking time off to recharge, which in turn increases productivity.
- It ensures the company isn’t too reliant on any one person by putting processes in place to make sure business doesn’t come to a halt when someone is absent, and
- It’s fun.
Two other companies with unique vacation policies:
- The Marketing Arm. This Dallas-based marketing and promotions agency rewards employees who’ve been with the company for at least seven years with an extra seven days off and $2,500 to do something personally rewarding. Those who’ve been with the company at least 15 years get 15 extra days off and $5,000.
- Red Frog Events. This Chicago-based event planning company offers its employees unlimited vacation days.
Source: “Unlimited Vacation Doesn’t Create Slackers–It Ensures Productivity,” by Lydia Dishman, FastCompany.com, 3/9/12.