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Who wants to work on their birthday?

Writer's picture: James RuleJames Rule

In the early years of being a CEO I explored the concept of giving all of my staff an extra day of (paid) holiday on the day of their birthday.


I debated all of the economic and logistical challenges this gesture would create. Regrettably I allowed my logical mind (bad for business) overrule my gut feeling (great for morale, performance and therefore good for business) and it was not implemented.


Several years later I revisited this issue and implemented it as a policy. My decision was driven by the belief that most people have an ideal way they would love to spend their birthday and it does not include working all day. Even accounting for everyone that truly loves their job I still believe most would prefer to spend it with family, friends and or pursuing their hobby.


The economic argument against this concept is sound. There will be a loss of productivity and a short term reduction in performance with birthday staff being on holiday instead of at work.


However is that employee truly present and fully engaged in their work on their birthday? Or are they distracted, responding to well wishers, planning their evening celebrations and trying to get a “flier” so they can snatch a bit more time at the end of the day with friends and family?


In my personal experience I received an abundance of gratitude from staff. I witnessed a noticeable increase in their energy and motivation particularly in the days immediately preceding and just after their birthday. This drove their performance and productivity. As a consequence rather than creating a negative economic impact it actually created a positive impact.


I appreciate that lots or employers will say this is impractical and the disruption would be too significant. I agree with that if it was simply implemented overnight. However if it was rolled out with months of notice, for example from January 2021, there is sufficient time to manage workloads and rosters. Would it really be disruptive then?


The way we all work is changing radically for so many of us. We are creating our new normals. In that spirit I would love to hear peoples thoughts on what impact being given an extra paid holiday to celebrate your birthday would have on your professional productivity and your well being.


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