The dating platform Bumble has recently made headlines by offering all its employees an additional two weeks of paid vacation, which can be taken one week at a time throughout the year. In June, CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd announced a company-wide week off on top of the regular time off, citing widespread burnout among teams. Bumble’s official statement explained, “As vaccination rates rise and restrictions begin to lift, we wanted to give our global teams a chance to unplug and prioritize their well-being for a week.”
What a refreshing change to see an employer prioritize the mental health of its workforce over profits! A company that is willing to hit pause in a relentless business environment to ensure its most valuable assets—its employees—remain engaged and healthy is remarkable. This initiative is just a glimpse of the impressive benefits offered to Bumble’s 700 global employees.
In addition to the bonus vacation, Bumble provides paid “compassion leave,” paid time off for victims of violence or abuse, at least 12 weeks of annual leave for caring for sick relatives, and a minimum of six months of paid leave for childbirth, surrogacy, or adoption. Furthermore, they offer at least four weeks of flexible transition time for caregivers returning to work after a hiatus.
Following the pandemic, Bumble is allowing its employees the choice of working from home or returning to the office, with the only stipulation being that they work in the country where they are employed. Bumble not only promotes a healthy work-life balance, but also equips its employees with the resources necessary to achieve that balance. President of Bumble, Alex Reyes, remarked that it became “increasingly clear that the way we work has evolved, and our new policies reflect our commitment to supporting our teams in both their professional and personal lives.”
Where can I send my resume? Bumble is setting a high standard in employee treatment, especially compared to many U.S. companies. It’s disheartening that what should be standard is often viewed as special treatment or bonuses. The U.S. stands alone among developed nations in not guaranteeing paid vacation days or family leave. On average, Americans work approximately 34.4 hours weekly and receive about 17 days of paid vacation annually. Many of us find ourselves overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out due to relentless work demands.
While it’s understood that people must work to support themselves, it’s unacceptable that employees feel trapped by their employers, facing threats of job loss if they cannot cope in environments devoid of paid time off or supportive unpaid leave policies.
Individuals should not have to wait until they are physically or mentally ill to take a break. Vacation time and paid leave are vital for preventative healthcare, increasing productivity, fostering creativity, and boosting morale—something the team at Bumble comprehends well. Overworking or being in toxic environments can lead to serious health issues.
Medical expenses are a leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. People rely on jobs for financial stability and health insurance. However, when unable to work, the lack of supportive employers or insurance coverage can leave individuals in dire situations.
Despite being the wealthiest nation, the U.S. has a significant wealth disparity. Those who are financially secure often perpetuate the myth that hard work alone will lead to success, overlooking the privileges that afford them such a perspective.
The U.S. lacks a universal basic income or healthcare system that provides security and safety nets for its citizens. Recent proposals for universal basic income for children and paid family leave are steps in the right direction.
The pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of gig workers and freelancers, with about 16 million Americans self-employed, constituting nearly 30% of the workforce. Having been self-employed for over a decade, I recognize that while I may not have paid time off, I am fortunate to plan for unpaid time or work less, even when I should be offline.
A pandemic was an unforeseen event, and while I benefited from government relief packages, we shouldn’t have to rely on such crises for basic protections. It is essential that all employers prioritize the well-being of their employees. Bumble sets a great example, but this should be the standard, not an exception.
For more insights on related topics, check out this article on pregnancy and home insemination and explore expert resources from Science Daily for further information.
Summary:
Bumble has taken a significant step by providing its employees with additional paid vacation and various other benefits aimed at reducing burnout and promoting mental health. This approach sets a high bar for workplace standards, particularly in the U.S., where such practices are not common. The need for companies to prioritize employee well-being is more crucial now than ever, especially given the challenges posed by the pandemic.