For example, the "10 minutes early" piece would be laughed at where I work. Why? Because the knowledge workers on my team can leave 10 minutes early any day they want. They aren't bound to the clock. They're bound to getting their work done. If they do that, I don't give a damn if they pick up their kids at 4:15 every day.
In addition, the most of the time, my employees struggle to take the vacation they already have, why would they want more? (21 days + for the most part) I'd rather give them a few extra bucks as incentive than hound them to take even more vacation come November.
Finally, there's an important point to realize. If people like their jobs, they don't necessarily care too much about vacation. Sure, they want to be able to go on a trip in the summer, away for a few weekends and time for the holidays, but since they enjoy working, a lot of the time that's where they want to be.
Most hackers want to get things done. Getting them done quicker lets them choose whether they get more done (= more money) or take more time.
The other thing I'm a big proponent of is offices for everyone. The "open office collaboration" trend is the biggest scam to hit the workplace in the last 30 years. How one can be "more productive" hearing everyone else's weekend stories whether they choose to or not is beyond me.
I believe the best employers encourage their staff to get out into the world and find fulfillment and I believe the best way to do that is by having a varied and interesting lifestyle.
Simply working all day every day doesn't lead to a balanced, healthy life.
If you're suggesting the employer has a role to play in forcing employees to do something they don't want to do, I think you'll find bigger issues than the ones I put forth.
>Simply working all day every day doesn't lead to a balanced, healthy life.
That's true, but my employer's role is not to determine what that balance is, and how I live my life. That's my choice.
