Time-Off Policies

By: A Staff Writer

Updated on: Oct 25, 2024

Unlimited PTO…Is It Real? 🤔

Time-off sounds great, but it can backfire. Here’s how to do it in a way that benefits everyone.

• Culture of Encouragement: If leaders never take vacation, employees won’t either. Set the example.
• Clear Expectations: How much notice is needed, is there a minimum employees MUST take?
• Coverage is Key: Cross-training ensures work gets done, no guilt-trips about leaving teammates in the lurch.
• Pre-Vacation Prep: Mandate handover plans so folks return relaxed, not to a disaster zone.
• Re-Entry Matters: Ease back in with a shorter day, not a firehose of backlogged problems on return.
• Track the Data: Are people actually taking more time off? If not, the policy is performative.

Well-structured time-off policies prevent burnout, boost productivity, and attract top talent.