According to Variety: “Netflix continues to not have officially outlined expenses or vacation policies. The company’s vacation policy is two words: 'Take vacation.' And the expenses policy is five words: 'Act in Netflix’s best interests.'
'You might think that this kind of freedom leads to chaos,' (chief talent officer Sergio) Ezama noted. 'While we’ve had our fair share of failures — and a few people have taken advantage of our culture — our emphasis on individual autonomy has created a very successful business.'"
While I love what Netflix is doing here, treating adults as adults, I would make one suggestion for any organisation considering such an approach to their annual leave policy, in particular: Ballpark your expectations.
A failure to guide people’s decisions can have unintended consequences.
For example, startup company Triggertrap offered unlimited annual leave to attract and retain staff.
But it backfired.
Instead of people taking too MUCH leave, they took too LITTLE.
What? If anything we should be worried people would take more leave than usual, right?
The problem was people weren’t sure how much they should take, so it was easier not to take any at all.
I’ve struck a similar issue with “pay-as-you-want” restaurants. I get so worried about paying the right amount that it's easier to avoid going in the first place.
In both cases, suggesting a range that “most people” take or pay would help to guide their decision and encourage desired behaviour.
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