Society & Culture Workplace Leave

[hamohawk1]

Being in the adult working force for a number of years i have started to witness the toll of working conditions on many employees around me, friends and family. Its become pretty apparent that the simple four paid weeks of leave a year is no longer adequate for mental refreshment or out of work enjoyment. I believe most workplaces are starting to focus on mental health a bit more now but with the seeming 40 hour working week a thing of the past is it sustainable for us all to be grinding out long work days and sacrificing family, leisure and other out of work activities. The solution isn't going to be easily achieved for the worker or the organisation as there will be the conflicting objectives of more leave = more money spent by the organisation against a better work/ life balance for the employee. Its an issue that needs to be addressed though or else we could be heading for a society full of burnt out individuals who are sacrificing their health and wellbeing as well as being at a lower level of productivity.

 

[edgie]

Workplaces need to be flexible and if employees are willing to earn a little bit less for more time off, then that will benefit everyone and open up more opportunity for casuals and part times.

 

[kickazz]

Being in the adult working force for a number of years i have started to witness the toll of working conditions on many employees around me, friends and family. Its become pretty apparent that the simple four paid weeks of leave a year is no longer adequate for mental refreshment or out of work enjoyment. I believe most workplaces are starting to focus on mental health a bit more now but with the seeming 40 hour working week a thing of the past is it sustainable for us all to be grinding out long work days and sacrificing family, leisure and other out of work activities. The solution isn't going to be easily achieved for the worker or the organisation as there will be the conflicting objectives of more leave = more money spent by the organisation against a better work/ life balance for the employee. Its an issue that needs to be addressed though or else we could be heading for a society full of burnt out individuals who are sacrificing their health and wellbeing as well as being at a lower level of productivity.

But look how much my house increased in value.

 

[hamohawk1]

But look how much my house increased in value.

really bemused how employees are now taking the chance to 'cash out' leave for money. Just seems ridiculous an individual wouldnt have a bit of time off every so often, its not healthy.

 

[kickazz]

Seriously though, a good OP. Nothing overly profound in it, but it's accurate and probably isn't talked about enough.

People used to toil physically for long hours and get physical injuries. Well now it's in an office job and it's mental health issues.

 

[The Passenger]

I'm back freelancing and love the flexibility.

The stability of a full time role is great but if I were to do it again I think I'd negotiate 8-10 weeks a year leave. I'd need to cut down my pay, which I'd happily do. Or cut down to a 7 day fortnight, which would be a further pay cut on the prior arrangement. Not sure if I'd rather additional time off in one chunk to go on a lengthy holiday or have less of the weekly grind. The weekly grind gets to me pretty quick.

 

[PoppedCorn]

I get 5 weeks annual leave a year as ive done over ten years. Can bank 80 hrs of overtime a year and get 90 hrs rdo a year
and we had a mental health speech thing at work with someone from outside in the field for one hr last week
my company has shown a bit in this area recently

 

[scotslad]

I'm back freelancing and love the flexibility.

The stability of a full time role is great but if I were to do it again I think I'd negotiate 8-10 weeks a year leave. I'd need to cut down my pay, which I'd happily do. Or cut down to a 7 day fortnight, which would be a further pay cut on the prior arrangement. Not sure if I'd rather additional time off in one chunk to go on a lengthy holiday or have less of the weekly grind. The weekly grind gets to me pretty quick.

This. I am in permanent role myself but will be doing freelance hopefully in the new year and can't wait, I have done it before noon totes exciting ☺

It can be unpredictable but doesn't life have many risks?

 

[Messenger]

My $0.02

* I'm not sure staff mpneed more leave, but I think they need to use all they leave they've got each year. I Ve got plenty of people in my area with AL balances >6 weeks and we are constantly nudging them to take it.
* Just working a normal day makes a difference. Don't allow your people to take work home; don't allow that line to blur.

really bemused how employees are now taking the chance to 'cash out' leave for money. Just seems ridiculous an individual wouldnt have a bit of time off every so often, its not healthy.

It's a right protected in the NES. The only criteria is that your AL balance does not fall below 20 days (actual or pro rated). Some states will also allow you to cash in LSL entitlements.

 

[Catfish Alley]

I only get 3 weeks leave but it works due to my employer being a firm believer in work/life balance. We can dress casual, work from home if possible and finish at lunch on Fridays.

I think a lot more employers are being flexible with things like this. Technology is at a point where you don't need to be tied to a desk.

 

[The Slitherin' Snake]

I only get 3 weeks leave but it works due to my employer being a firm believer in work/life balance. We can dress casual, work from home if possible and finish at lunch on Fridays.

I think a lot more employers are being flexible with things like this. Technology is at a point where you don't need to be tied to a desk.

This true, but far too many employers see this as a excuse to make sure you are contactable out of office hours as well. Double edged sword

 

[Spanish Sahara]

My workplace allows staff to take an additional 4 weeks of leave per year (with a reduction in pay). This is the first year I have done it and will do it every year from now on.

 

[Gralin]

We have the ability to be online all the time at my work and quite a few people are, their phone is signed into IM, they have their emails notify them outside hours or are always checking.

It's easy to fall into the trap and then you never really switch off. I have a work phone and when I go on leave it gets turned off until I'm back at work. Taking actual holidays, having long enough breaks, switching off when not getting paid, using your lunch break as a break, not just working while eating a sammich at your desk.

 

[Drakescoffeecake]

Become a teacher

 

[Scotland]

Next performance/pay review I will be pushing for 6-8 weeks annual leave over the equivalent pay rise.

 

[TheMightyEagles]

I wish there was more tolerance of unpaid leave and sabbaticals generally.

Historically people both worked hard and then rested up in spurts (e.g. Harvest time vs. winter, catching the wild beast vs. eating it and resting).

The current holiday system is too regimented. If someone is feeling burnt out after years of hard work, two weeks off won't cut it. So when you are in that situation, the only real option left is to switch jobs and try to negotiate some time off in between.

 

[Brad Goodman]

I'd agree with the notion that people should be entitled to more than four weeks of leave, however beyond the standard whether the rest is paid or unpaid should be at the employer's discretion. Maybe annual/sick leave should fall under one umbrella? I rarely take sick leave so I would love to be able to treat it as annual leave.

 

[Ruck Machine]

3 weeks annual leave, 5 days accumulated sick leave (which can be cashed in as annual leave if not used) and 2 duvet days.

 

[Catfish Alley]

I'm pretty happy with our arrangement. I get 3 weeks leave and 3 personal days. Not sure about sick leave. I don't think it's really monitored unless it becomes excessive. I also finish at lunch on Fridays which is nice.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

I get the standard 4 weeks' annual plus a 4 day weekend every quarter to make up for OT. It doesn't come close to covering it but it's a nice gesture all the same.

 

[Scotland]

I'd agree with the notion that people should be entitled to more than four weeks of leave, however beyond the standard whether the rest is paid or unpaid should be at the employer's discretion. Maybe annual/sick leave should fall under one umbrella? I rarely take sick leave so I would love to be able to treat it as annual leave.

*Able to negotiate for

I think 4 weeks annual leave + up to two weeks sick leave is plenty. If you are paying someone $1000 a week ($52k p.a.) then you are effectively paying them $46k for 46 weeks of work plus $11k (24%) on-costs for hours not worked and super. It adds up in terms of costs and time lost, particularly for small businesses. Legislating for more would have a negative effect on full time hiring.

 

[Messenger]

I'd agree with the notion that people should be entitled to more than four weeks of leave, however beyond the standard whether the rest is paid or unpaid should be at the employer's discretion. Maybe annual/sick leave should fall under one umbrella? I rarely take sick leave so I would love to be able to treat it as annual leave.

I'd keep sick leave separate to be honest. In your younger years it may look like a bucket of time off to exploit but you never do know what life will throw at you.

 

[Keys]

*Able to negotiate for

I think 4 weeks annual leave + up to two weeks sick leave is plenty. If you are paying someone $1000 a week ($52k p.a.) then you are effectively paying them $46k for 46 weeks of work plus $11k (24%) on-costs for hours not worked and super. It adds up in terms of costs and time lost, particularly for small businesses. Legislating for more would have a negative effect on full time hiring.

Doesn't factor in public holidays which is another 2 weeks of no work

 

[iDon]

Become a teacher

A misleading notion. Hence why there are a number of people in the education game, realise it isn't all roses and the holidays aren't what they are cracked up to be.

 

[Stratton_Gun]

If you can't work 40 hours a week there is something wrong. Find a new job.