Employees who have unlimited vacation are 43 per cent more likely to feel a sense of belonging at work, according to a new survey by Achievers Solutions Inc.
The survey, which polled more than 3,500 employees in Australia, Canada, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S., found employees with unlimited vacation also reported higher levels of engagement (66 per cent), job commitment (54 per cent) and productivity (48 per cent) than those who don’t have this benefit.
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“Our data shows there are positive benefits to unlimited vacation policies,” said Hannah Yardley, chief people and culture officer at Achievers, in a press release. “However, it is up to leadership to empower managers and individuals to take as much leave as they want or need. It is this relationship built on psychological safety and trust that ultimately influences the amount of time employees take off and an employee’s sense of belonging.”
The survey also found different benefits are more impactful on some employees than others. Among women, the availability of egg freezing and caregiving support increased belonging by 22 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively, while men didn’t report any change in their sense of belonging due to these benefits. Among persons with disabilities, unlimited vacation and pet insurance were the top benefits that led to an increased sense of belonging (57 per cent and 53 per cent, respectively).
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