A Nation Divided on ‘Unlimited Holiday’
For many, 'unlimited holiday' sounds like a dream, but in actuality it is not so popular: 65% of workers do not think their employer should offer unlimited holiday. We surveyed 1,000 adults in the UK to gain insight into their thoughts on the matter.
In 2004, Netflix became the first company to offer their employees unlimited holiday. This means staff can take as much time off as they like, when they like - no restrictions.

Since Netflix's announcement, many companies have followed suit. In 2014, Richard Branson offered his version of 'unlimited holiday' that allows staff at Virgin to take as much time off as they want. The only caveat being they assume you will only take time off if you're a hundred percent sure it's a good time to go.
From a business perspective, allowing staff unlimited time away from work is counter-intuitive. Company policies today, however, focus on improving staff wellbeing and providing flexible working conditions.
1. Would you accept a job offer because your employer offered unlimited holiday?
We found 51% of respondents would be more likely to accept a job because of unlimited holiday and the younger workforce aged 18-24 picked ‘yes’ more than any other age group. Also, there was a slightly higher proportion of women who answered ‘yes’ than men.
2. Do you think your employer should offer unlimited holiday?

From an employee’s perspective, the freedom to take holiday at will would surely prove popular. However, 64.7% of respondents do not think their employer should offer unlimited holiday, and nearly 70% of women did not want unlimited holiday in their workplace versus 60.7% of men.
Does this mean that, as good as it may initially sound, workers aren’t as enthralled with the idea of unlimited holiday as we might expect? The results suggest so.
3. Would you trade longer working hours for unlimited holiday?

Our final question investigated if workers would trade longer working hours for unlimited holiday. Similar to our first question, the results were almost an even split and a slight majority (52%) would exchange more time in the working day for more time away in return.
This is a marketing article by Towergate Insurance.
Do you want to read more?
We've got loads of liability articles, tips, guides and videos. Take a look below for more content based on what you've been reading.
Cognitive Biases
We make thousands of decisions every day - Many of which affect our businesses. But what makes us choose a particular path? Our infographic runs down some of the factors which...
View articleFemale CEOs: Is there equality at the top?
With equal rights being such an important issue in the modern day, is there equality at the top of the business world?
View articleGlobal Bosses - What you need to know when working abroad
Have you ever thought of living and working abroad? View our new infographic for your first lesson on bosses in various global locations, how to get on their good side and...
View article