Employment dispute in Christchurch where a business faced consequences for dismissing an employee before their start date, resulting in an $18.5K payout.
Published 22 August 2023 | 2 min read
Unlimited leave here to stay for Auckland company
The talent shortage is real, and businesses are looking for innovative ways to attract and retain top talent. One option that's gaining traction is offering unlimited annual leave.
Many Kiwi workers are feeling the pressure of work-life balance. They're stressed and burned out, and they're not taking enough time off. This can lead to health problems, decreased productivity, and increased turnover.
Unlimited annual leave can help businesses address the problem of work-life balance. It gives employees the flexibility to take the time off they need to recharge and come back refreshed. This can lead to improved employee morale, productivity, and health.
But how does unlimited annual leave work? And is it right for all businesses?
Actionstep, an Auckland-based software company, has been offering unlimited annual leave to its employees since 2022. The company's vice president of engineering, Stevie Mayhew, says the policy has been a success.
"Employees are taking more time off than they did before," Mayhew says. "But they're also coming back more refreshed and productive."
However, not all businesses are suited to unlimited annual leave. It's important to carefully consider your company culture and values before making the switch.
Challenges of implementing unlimited annual leave
If you're thinking about offering unlimited annual leave, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure your company culture is supportive of flexible work arrangements.
- Set clear expectations around how the policy will work.
- Establish clear communication channels so that employees can easily request time off.
- Monitor the policy closely to make sure it's working as intended.
Unlimited annual leave can be a great way to attract and retain top talent. But it's not right for every business. If you're considering implementing this policy, be sure to do your research and make sure it's the right fit for your company.