Unlimited holidays? Does that mean you can be on holiday every day? And still get paid for it? Well, not quite.
Today, we’re speaking to Director of Dynamic Search Solutions, John Marks. We’re asking him about his decision to introduce unlimited holidays for the Dynamic team, and what unlimited holidays means for the team.
Why Did You Decide to Introduce Unlimited Holidays?
“There were a couple of reasons behind the decision. One was the realisation that, as a Director, I can have all the flexibility I want. And we felt it was fair that everyone had a similar sort of flexibility. We do expect a lot as a business and it is hard work. In recruitment you are expected to take those urgent calls when you’re on holiday or at home in the evening. It’s the nature of being available 24/7 for your candidates and clients.
But I’d hate for someone to miss out on going to a family party, parent’s evening, or an important life event, because they had to come to work. We want the team to be able to go on holiday with their friends or go on that stag-do, without worrying “oh I’ve only got so many days holiday left and I need to save them for Christmas”.
At the end of the day, these unlimited holidays are based on an individual’s performance. They will always put themselves under more pressure than we will as a business. So if someone’s working hard and hitting their targets, we want to offer that flexibility.
But ultimately, we want to encourage people to be happy to work here, and reward them for the work they do. That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.”
Were You Worried About the Impacts Unlimited Holidays Could Have on the Business?
“Yeah definitely. You can’t make a decision like this without worrying. However, there are still those measurable and realistic expectations in place. When someone is hitting the targets we’ve set and they’ve set themselves, we’re more than happy for them to take holidays as they need.
But when their individual performance is low, they’re falling behind the targets they set for themselves. We have found that people have certainly been more realistic with their holiday expectations, which in turn has increased team performance.”
What Are Some of the Benefits You’ve Seen for the Team?
“I’ve seen people being able to deal with health matters more effectively, both mental and physical.
The team have been more focused on their targets and goals. They are more driven to deliver for their clients as a priority, rather than just sitting behind their desk for 8 hours a day.
And it’s an acknowledgement for the team that the business is all inclusive. There’s an acknowledgement of what people do here and the work they put in for the business. The team works hard, and they deserve to be rewarded for it.”
What Unlimited Holiday Has Meant For The Dynamic Team
“When we used to have the regular holiday allowance, you had to plan your year from January to December.
So I’d think, I want to go on holiday in summer, I want to take some days off during half-term to be with my partner, I need to take some for Christmas… And you realise you’ve only got 3 or 4 days left if you need them.
When we had doctors’ consultations and those could be three hours and only with a week’s notice, and I knew I didn’t have to worry about my holiday allowance for the year. I know John has that trust that I’ll make the time up if I need to. In those last few months of my partner’s pregnancy, it probably added up to 5 or 6 days off with all the doctor’s appointments. In a different company I would’ve run out mid-September.
As a new dad, it gives you that peace of mind. It’s the knowledge of being able to take time off when I need it.”
Chris Armistead-Cargan, Managing Consultant
What Unlimited Holiday Has Meant For Me
“As I’ve been writing this article, it’s been impossible to not think about what having unlimited holiday days has meant for me personally.
This year I’ve been abroad for only the second time in my life. I’ve been skiing for the first time. I’ve watched both of my sister’s get married. And I’ve had the flexibility in my life that I’ve needed, being in a long-distance relationship.
And I’ve done all this without worrying about having to save a week of holidays for Christmas.
For me it’s been the flexibility that’s been so important. And like Chris, I have the peace of mind that if I need the extra time off to go see my partner, John and Adam have that trust in me to get the work done I need to get done.”
Joseph Taylor, Digital Marketing Executive
Unlimited holidays is just one of the perks of a career in recruitment at Dynamic Search Solutions: Holiday incentives to Ibiza, Dubai, Dublin… Uncapped commission on top of a competitive base salary… Hybrid and flexible working… And plenty of training and support to make you the best recruiter you can be.
Sound like something for you? If you want to find out more, read here to learn about what a career in recruitment is actually like, or have a look at our open vacancies here.