Technology firm Preact has introduced an ‘unlimited holidays’ scheme, alongside offering time off for mental health and wellbeing and a wellbeing allowance, to help staff cope with the stresses and strains of working through the pandemic.
The benefit, which has been gradually rolled out across the business this month (October), allows the company’s 85 employees to take as much time off as they like, as long as they continue to meet their regular performance targets.
Preact managing director Selom Bulla said: “It’s based on merit and them displaying the values that we have as an organisation.”
He explained this flexibility could mean staff members take as many as 30 to 40 days off each year, or even more.
“The only caveats are provided that it doesn’t disrupt our customers or the individual’s teams and provided they’re on target with their and the business’s objectives then we’re happy for them to take more than the standard amount of time off,” Bulla added.
The unlimited holidays scheme is available to all staff as soon as they join, even if they are still on probation, highlighted Leanne Mennie, HR and operations director at Preact. Employees simply complete a holiday request form through the company’s CharlieHR software, after which the request has to be approved by a manager.
“It’s already had a massive benefit because it’s all about trust and is a demonstration of our trust in the team. It’s had a huge impact with staff and there’s already been a great take-up,” Mennie said.
The initiative is designed to complement a ‘wellbeing allowance’, also introduced this month, which employees can use to support their physical or mental health and wellbeing through a wide range of activities.
This sits alongside a ‘wellbeing day’ scheme that gives Preact employees who feels they are struggling the chance to take a day off at short notice.
“The allowance is a catch-all. People get to choose what to spend it on so it’s completely unique to them and their individual needs,” added Mennie.
This could be to cover the cost of a gym membership, to buy books or a podcast subscription or even something like a National Trust membership, she pointed out.
“They could use it for whatever helps with their physical and mental wellness,” Mennie concluded.