Discretionary Time Off Policy U Unlimited vacation time would seem a dream to most, employees desire to have more discretion in performing their but for a handful it just got very real. Companies work. This does not hold true for everybody as some may pre- like Virgin, and Netflix, are looking to motivate their fer a well-defined work schedule, established time-off, and less employees by offering leaves with no restrictions on the responsibility. The second point against unlimited vacations number of days per year. Known as "discretionary time off" is regarding workaholic employees or those who need more (DTO), the policy is based on observations" that highlight money may decide to take less vacation and work more. This the importance of providing employees with more control may become problematic in certain professions like healthcare, over their work scheduled. Supporters of DTO affirm that where days off and getting the required amount of rest cru- employees do not need to be cial to avoid making mistakes. micro-managed and providing them with generous time off Unlimited What would it happen if a sur- is a good way to empower VACATION at work geon decides to work longer and perform more surgeries the people who contribute to a instead of taking the neces- company's growth. The most sary days off to rest? Another recent of the large tech companies to adopt DTO is LinkedIn, potential problem relates to the real intentions behind adopt- announcing their intention to introduce the policy starting ing such policies. Some columnists and bloggers feel that this November 1, 2015. action is made with the intention to force employees to work This choice, however, isn't completely altruistic. Some of more as they may feel insecure about whether taking a day off the biggest benefits that the employer receives from such a policy is appropriate and respectful of company and colleagues. include attracting and retaining more employees with a promise of flexible vacation planning. It also saves these companies from Discussion Questions certain hidden costs like unused leaves. Of course, DTO is not without rules. Employees cannot take an extended period of six- 11-23 What is your opinion on DTO? What motivation theory do months as leave, would need to guarantee that deadlines will be you think it has been inspired by? Explain whether or not you would adopt it in your organization. met without overloading their colleagues' schedule, and would 11-24 What is fundamental for the DTO policy to be effectively also need their manager's approval. implemented in organizations? Do you think there might be If the DTO policy is as good as it seems on paper, why some equity problems in the management of personnel? isn't it a standard? The reason is probably because the benefits 11-25 Do you think that DTO can be applied in every industry or is it are not as unequivocal as it seems. The reality shows that sev- only applicable for tech companies? Explain the reasons for your answer. eral companies, like Chicago Tribune, were forced to stop DTO # 11-26 Should this unlimited vacation policy be adopted in all coun- because of employee complaints and misuse of the policy. The tries or do you think it won't work well in certain countries
