How do we create a good work-life balance? The key lies in being happy with what you do. While we aim to make an impact on the future of work, we also realize the importance of taking time off to relax. Getting to know each other is important, and we do this in our team meetings and at social events such as ‘Friday Afternoon Drinks’, ‘Slack Roulette’ and ‘Mental Health Day’.
At times, you just need to take a break! To make sure we have enough time away from the computer and business, we encourage each other to take time off and reload. Taking a break is your own responsibility, but we are aware of the balance between work and play within the team. Unlimited holiday policies tend to get vague and as we want to avoid hidden agendas/rules at any cost, a baseline of 30 holidays (based on full-time engagement) is what we found to work.
We see a risk in not re-charging and looking after your own wellbeing and encourage to take time off. Didn’t have the time to take a (long)break, or simply didn’t feel like a break in a specific period? No worries, the validity period of your vacation days is two years! If you want to use these ‘saved up’ days to take a longer break, this needs to be discussed and agreed upon within the team first. Vacations planned for longer than three weeks in a row need to be discussed and agreed upon within the team, to make sure continuity is guaranteed and the workload is manageable for everyone. Vacation planning is displayed on the Miroboard and needs to be filled in whenever you take time off to ensure complete transparency. Whenever you add a new day(s) off / vacation in the Miro vacation planning, this should be mentioned in the team meeting so everyone is aware of what’s happening.
If you have used all 30 of your vacation days but want an extra break, this can be discussed in the team and will be considered unpaid leave.
Public Holidays
Please fill in the public holidays from your country of residence so we all know when you have time off.
Vacation
Mental Health Day
We plan a mental health day every quarter. We are aware that people are working hard to make Semco Style Institute great and are aware of the impact this can have on work-life balance. Take this day off to recharge for the things to come.
Calling in Sick/Better
When you are ill/sick or had an accident and cannot work, let the team know. We like to know what we can do, help where needed or transfer tasks/ responsibilities where needed. Main concern is that you feel well again soon. Also, (handy) if possible give an estimate on when we can expect you back.