Bumble Offers Employees Paid Time Off to Combat Burnout – More Companies Should Follow Suit

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The dating platform Bumble has recently declared that all of its employees will receive two weeks of paid vacation, spread out over the year. In June, CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd announced an additional week off for everyone to address the widespread burnout felt across teams. Bumble stated, “With rising vaccination rates and easing restrictions, we want to provide our global teams with a chance to disconnect and focus on their well-being for a week.”

What a refreshing change from the usual corporate mindset! Here is a company prioritizing the mental health of its workforce over mere profits. Bumble’s approach is particularly commendable, especially considering it is just a small part of the extensive benefits it provides to its 700 employees worldwide.

In addition to the extra vacation time, Bumble offers unique perks like paid “compassion leave” for those affected by violence or abuse, a minimum of 12 weeks of leave for caretaking sick family members, and at least six months of paid leave for childbirth, surrogacy, or adoption. They even provide four weeks of flexible transition time for caregivers returning to work after an absence.

Following the global pandemic, Bumble has empowered employees to choose whether to continue working from home or return to the office, with the only stipulation being that they work in the country of their employment. Bumble not only promotes a healthy balance between work and personal life but also equips its employees with the resources to achieve it. Tariq Shaukat, President of Bumble, remarked that their new policies reflect the evolving nature of work and prioritize supporting employees in both their professional and personal lives.

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Bumble is undoubtedly setting a high standard in employee treatment, surpassing the meager offerings typical in many U.S. companies. It’s disheartening that what should be standard practice is often viewed as extraordinary.

The U.S. is unique among developed nations in not guaranteeing paid vacation time or offering paid medical or family leave. On average, American workers clock in about 34.4 hours a week, earning roughly 17 days of paid vacation annually. Many individuals find themselves overworked, stressed, and on the brink of burnout.

While I recognize the necessity of work for financial stability, it’s unacceptable for companies to threaten job security over employees’ inability to conform to environments that do not provide adequate time off or supportive leave policies.

People shouldn’t have to wait until they’re physically or mentally unwell before they can take a break. Paid leave and vacation days serve as preventive healthcare, enhancing productivity, creativity, and overall morale—something Bumble clearly understands. Overworking in toxic settings can lead to serious health issues.

Medical expenses are the leading cause of bankruptcy in America. People depend on their jobs for income and health insurance. But when illness strikes, and employers fail to provide necessary support, individuals find themselves in dire situations.

Despite being the wealthiest nation, the U.S. grapples with significant wealth disparities. Those who have financial security often overlook the privilege that allows them to work harder and faster without concern for their well-being.

The absence of a national income or universal healthcare system leaves many without basic security. While there have been proposals for paid family leave and sick days, the pandemic underscored the vulnerabilities of self-employed individuals and gig workers—about 30% of the workforce.

Having been self-employed for over a decade, I understand the challenge of lacking paid sick time or vacation days. I’ve been fortunate enough to plan for unpaid leave, but not everyone has that luxury.

We should not have to wait for a crisis to receive essential protections. Employers must take responsibility for the well-being of their workforce. Bumble exemplifies what is possible, but their model should be the norm, not an exception.

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In summary, Bumble’s initiatives to provide additional paid time off for employees serve as a commendable example of prioritizing mental health over profit. As more companies adopt similar practices, we can hope for a shift in workplace culture that values employee well-being.