Beyond PTO: Unique Employee Leaves You Haven’t Heard Of

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The Glassdoor annual leave survey shows that, on average, employees utilize only 77% of their holiday entitlement. In the U.K., employees have 28 days of annual leave, including bank holidays. This means the average U.K. worker is forfeiting about six-and-a-half days of leave each year, which is worrying.

It’s important to note that the U.K.’s 28-day minimum is among the lowest in Europe, where the average is 33 days. Despite this, many employees still find it difficult to take all their allocated leave. These findings emphasize the need for change.

When asked why they didn’t use all their entitled days, the most common reason mentioned was the “fear of falling behind on their work,” which 11% of respondents cited. Other reasons included the desire for a pay raise (10%), lack of trust in others to handle their work (9%), and the inability to disconnect (7%).

Acknowledging these challenges, some companies are implementing original leave policies to enhance employee happiness and retention. These inventive leave policies aim to fulfil the diverse needs of the modern workforce.

Unlimited Vacation / Paid Time Off (PTO)

While not entirely unique, the policy of offering unlimited vacation is still rare. Companies like Netflix and LinkedIn allow employees to take as much vacation time as needed as long as it doesn’t interfere with their work. This policy trusts employees to manage their time and encourages a healthy work-life balance.

Mental Health Leaves

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. In recognition of this, many companies are introducing mental health leave. This leave allows employees to take time off to improve and maintain their mental health. It is separate from sick leave or vacation time, thus emphasising the importance of mental healthcare.

These mental health leaves can be used for various purposes, such as therapy appointments, mindfulness retreats, or simply taking a break when employees feel overwhelmed. By offering such leaves, companies send a strong message about the value they place on mental health. For example, companies like LinkedIn, Nike, and Netflix offer employees up to eight weeks of paid leave for mental health and other well-being needs.

Volunteer Leaves

Many companies are fostering a culture of community engagement and social responsibility by providing volunteer leave. These leaves enable employees to devote their time and skills to a cause they are passionate about without eating into their vacation days.

Volunteer leaves can range from a few days to a couple of weeks per year, depending on the company’s policy. They allow employees to give back to the community, build new skills, and gain a sense of fulfilment outside of their regular work. For example, Salesforce offers employees seven days of paid volunteer time off annually to engage in community service activities.

Sabbaticals

Sabbaticals are becoming increasingly popular, especially for long-term employees. A sabbatical is an extended leave period, usually three months to a year, which employees can use to pursue personal interests, travel, or simply recharge.

Some companies offer paid sabbaticals after a certain number of years of service, while others offer unpaid sabbaticals with the guarantee of job security. Regardless of the specifics, sabbaticals can significantly contribute to employee satisfaction, creativity, and work-life balance. Adobe, for instance, offers a four-week paid sabbatical for employees who have been with the company for at least five years.

Bereavement Leave

Bereavement leave is another type of leave that is becoming more common. Companies are increasingly understanding the emotional toll of losing a loved one and are offering extended bereavement leave. Some companies provide up to a month off for the loss of close family members.

This compassionate leave allows employees the much-needed time to grieve, take care of family matters, and regain stability during such a challenging period. Facebook, for instance, offers up to 20 days of paid bereavement leave for employees who have lost an immediate family member.

Parental Leave

Parental leave policies are also evolving to become more inclusive and generous. This includes extended time off for new parents, leave for parents to attend school events, and leave for those caring for ill children or elderly parents.

Progressive companies are recognising the importance of supporting employees through different stages of parenthood. Some are offering flexible work arrangements, generous maternity and paternity leave, and even leaves for adoption or fertility treatments. Netflix, for instance, provides up to a year of paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers.

Additional Unique Employee Leaves

Pet Bereavement and ‘Pawternity’ Leave

“Pawternity leave” allows employees to take paid time off to settle in their new pet. Brewdog Brewery and Mars, the owner of Whiskas and Pedigree, are among the pioneers of this idea. This leave reminds employees that owning a pet is a responsibility and not just fun. Some companies take it a step further and provide bereavement leave when an employee’s pet passes away. Providing bereavement leave for pets recognises the deep emotional connection many individuals have with their animals.

Menstrual Leave

Menstrual leave is a policy where employees who experience painful periods can take time off to rest and recuperate. Some companies in countries like Japan, South Korea, and India offer this type of leave. For instance, the Indian food delivery company Zomato introduced menstrual leave in 2020, allowing women employees to take up to 10 days of paid leave per year.

Divorce Leave

Positive Parenting Alliance (PPA) in the UK is advocating for family-friendly policies for employees experiencing divorce or separation. They want companies to recognise separation as a life event and offer flexible working, counselling, and support services. Tesco has already implemented divorce benefits following PPA’s recommendations to support employees facing divorce.

Family and Domestic Violence Leave

Some companies offer leave for employees experiencing family or domestic violence. This leave allows them to attend court proceedings, seek medical attention, or find a new living place. In Australia, for example, employees are entitled to ten days of paid family and domestic violence leave each year under the National Employment Standards.

Eco-Leaves

Eco-leaves are designed for employees to engage in environmental conservation activities. Companies like Patagonia, known for its environmental advocacy, provide paid time off for employees to volunteer for environmental causes. This type of leave not only supports the environment but also aligns with the company’s values and mission.

How an Employer of Record (EOR) Can Help

In conclusion, these unique employee leaves highlight how companies can recognise their employees’ diverse needs and take proactive steps to ensure their well-being. They understand that a happy, well-rested, and mentally healthy workforce is more likely to be productive, creative, and loyal to the company, contributing to its long-term success.

However, managing these diverse leave policies can be complex, especially for companies with a global workforce. This is where an Employer of Record (EOR) can play a pivotal role. An EOR handles all HR-related functions, including managing employee leaves, ensuring compliance with local labour laws, and maintaining accurate records.

An EOR can provide the following benefits:

Compliance: Ensures that all leave policies comply with local and international regulations.
Administration: Manages leave requests, tracks leave balances, and handles related documentation.
Support: Offers support and resources to employees during their leave periods.
Scalability: Allows companies to implement consistent leave policies across different regions.

By partnering with an EOR, companies can offer unique and progressive leave options without the administrative burden, ensuring a satisfied and engaged workforce. Contact us today.

Reference

Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash

Author

Zofiya Acosta

Zofiya Acosta is a B2B copywriter with a rich background of 6 years as a professional writer. She has honed her craft in the dynamic writing field, beginning as an editor for a lifestyle publication in the Philippines, giving her a unique perspective on engaging diverse audiences.

Reviewer

Chris Alderson MBE

Chris Alderson is a seasoned CEO with over 25 years of experience, holding an honours degree from Durham University. As the founder and CEO of various multinational corporations across sectors such as Manufacturing, Research & Development, Engineering, Consulting, Professional Services, and Human Resources, Chris has established a significant presence in the industry. He has served as an advisor to the British, Irish, and Japanese governments, contributing his expertise to international trade missions, particularly focusing on global expansion and international relations. His distinguished service to the industry was recognised with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.