Why call something unlimited when it’s not? Let’s be real—it’s never really been unlimited. It’s always been more about flexibility.
Labelling something as unlimited when it isn’t can create confusion and isn’t fair to anyone. Plus, giving the impression that it’s okay when it’s not is even worse. As my uncle Guy likes to say, “faut appeler un chat un chat” (a cat’s a cat). And that cat is “we’re moving away from the unlimited vacation policy.”
From now on, we will expect and encourage everyone to take 25 vacation days off a year, excluding national holidays. Just add it to Rippling, coordinate with your manager, and sync with your team. The Culture & People team will work with leaders to ensure and encourage those who haven’t taken days off to do so.
We want to eliminate the extremes and align with our company’s expectations. This ensures no one causes undue strain on their team, and everyone has clear guidelines to help people take time off. This way, we can recharge without compromising our work.
The goal is to maintain flexibility while avoiding excessive situations. By requiring justification for extra vacation, we ensure the squad remains functional and onboard. This policy adds visibility and accountability, which was lacking in the “unlimited vacations” policy.
Marc, you said flexible but it’s actually 25? Are you calling a cat a cat like Uncle Guy likes to say? Yes, gaiia will always make room for special circumstances. Training for the Olympics this year? Been with us for 5 years and want to take that month-long sail trip you’ve always dreamed of? Got a unique opportunity? We got you. We’ll find a way to support your extended time off.
Taking more than the allotted 25 days is possible, as long as it makes sense for your squad and you can justify as an exceptional circumstance. Here’s what to do:
At gaiia, we observe public holidays and you are not required to work on these days. You can refer to ‣ to know which holidays are observed in your country, state, or province, and you can follow these steps to add them to you calendar.
However, since we collaborate with team members in the US, and that a bunch of our clients are in the US, you might occasionally need to work on a national holiday due to different holiday schedules. If this happens, we encourage you to take another day off later to compensate, ensuring you still receive the necessary rest and recognition for your work.
Sick days are separate from the 25 vacation days and can be used for both mental and physical health needs, as well as family-related situations like a closed school/daycare or a sick child. Whether you're feeling physically under the weather, your taking care of someone that is sick or you need a mental health day, we support your well-being.
If a situation requires an extended absence due to an injury or prolonged illness (mental or physical), gaiia offers short and long-term disability coverage. Short-Term Disability coverage can begin immediately after an accident or hospitalization, and 7 days after an illness. As for Long-Term Disability, it starts after Short-Term Disability is over. In cases where you are unsure if you should use the short-term disability coverage, please discuss your situation with the Head of Culture & People and your manager.