While employees a few years ago asked few questions, they are now very aware and critical. They observe that contracts no longer need to have a fixed form and that there is much flexibility possible in, among other things, working hours, location, and the use of vacation pay and vacation days. And rightly so, because why shouldn’t we better align the offerings with the needs of the individual employee?

Flexibilizing and Refining

Fortunately, many employers are happy to offer extra flexibility in their contracts, working conditions, and benefits, although there is still some doubt about their design. What does that flexibility actually look like in practice?

The answer to this question is quite simple. Flexibilizing essentially means finding the offerings that best match the needs of the employees. Consulting and researching, and then refining based on the identified needs. No more offering at random, but precisely providing what individual employees need.

The better you listen to the wishes and challenges of your employees, the better you can align your contracts, working conditions, and benefits accordingly. And that is appreciated.

Vacation Pay and Vacation Days

An important part of the working conditions and benefits is the vacation arrangement. Vacation pay and vacation days. Additionally, flexibility and refinement have become increasingly important.

But what does the employee actually want these days regarding vacation pay and vacation days? How do you flexibilize something that has always been in the employer's hands?

The effects of inflation and high costs are felt by many of us. Therefore, financial security is more important than ever, and control over vacation pay contributes to this. Employees appreciate having a say in how their vacation pay is paid and spent.

The same applies to vacation days. Not everyone has the same plans. One person may not use up their vacation days, while another needs extra time to relax or take a long trip. Why shouldn’t you be able to shift these days? (As long as this fits within the planning and workload, of course).

Flexibility at DEPT®

A good example of a company that has found a perfect way to offer employees the desired flexibility is the leading digital agency DEPT®. They are the first company to arrange a flexible vacation plan through Alleo.

For DEPT®, 'happy Depters' are a priority. By listening to their employees, the company can be a good employer and give employees what they truly want. The company offers flexible working options that are indeed flexible, a unique culture, a lot of attention to work/life balance, and recently a flexible vacation plan.

They do this as follows:

Employees of DEPT® determine in the Alleo app when they want to have their vacation pay paid out. This can be done in one go at a self-chosen moment, or as a monthly payment spread over the year. A unique measure that provides employees with exactly the extra financial freedom they need.

Do DEPT® employees need extra benefits? Then they can easily spend part of their vacation pay on, for example, a gym membership, meditation app, or educational online course through the Alleo app.

The great advantage of this option is the fact that purchasing these activities through Alleo is usually 10% cheaper than outside the app. For example, if you take out a subscription with Classpass or Swapfiets? You save a lot by doing this through Alleo.

Finally, DEPT® offers employees extra flexibility in the use of their vacation days via Alleo. They can sell their extra vacation days (the days above the legal minimum) in the app or buy more days. This provides extra freedom to go on vacation longer or financial support when needed.

In the app (which has been adapted to DEPT®'s branding), employees can see exactly how much vacation pay and days they still have available and what they can do with their credit.

Employers and HR personnel also naturally have access to the app. For HR personnel, using Alleo is particularly ideal because it saves a lot of time, there is no need to determine what the options are, and a deal needs to be made for each benefit. They are already in the app.

The Benefits of Satisfied Employees

Why is it so important to keep employees satisfied?

Firstly, satisfied employees are often more engaged with their employer and work. As detailed in our recent blog on engagement, high engagement often means high productivity. And since offering extra flexibility gives engagement a good boost, this investment is well worth it.

Secondly, by providing flexibility in vacation pay and vacation days, you contribute to both the mental and financial health of the employees. Do they need extra money? Then they can sell a few vacation days or have part of their vacation pay paid out once or monthly. Want to take a break? Then they can buy some more vacation days. Here too, healthy employees are more productive.

Lastly, good and flexible working conditions are the way to attract new employees. It gives you an edge in the market and also ensures better retention, so employees stay longer with the company. Especially in times of labor shortages, this is incredibly valuable.

Complete Flexibility with Alleo

Flexibility is already important but is expected to become even more important. Do you want to easily and clearly offer your working conditions and benefits fully flexibly? Then book a demo with us.