I recently read this article on NPR.com about a new trend in the corporate vacation policies; unlimited time off. Considering our recent need to cut health care advantages for our employees this feels like it may be a good manner to replace that compensation. Could you please research this idea and give me your thoughts and stand point? We need to ensure that we address the following issues:

1.) Is this an advantage provided to all employees regardless of tenure or time with company?
2.) How would they go regarding requesting time?
3.) How may this impact project deliverables?
4.) How would we manage any probable abuses of this policy?
5.) What about extended leave? Must there be a limit to how much time a person can take at one time?

Company Background

Digital Box is a mid-size tech firm specializing in data warehousing.  They currently have a staff of approximately 325 employees comprising, database engineers, system analysts, account managers, and sales associates.  The company is situated in Addison, Texas and occupies four stories in a high rise, plus their real data warehouse that is situated in Plano.   Their main clients are accounting firms and health care facilities.

Situation

Because of the recession and the loss of a large client account Digital Box has had to revamp their advantages package and thus cut employee health care.  The coverage for every employee has dramatically decreased and the individual employee cost has risen.  Mr. Hoyt, the VP, is trying to find a manner to give new advantages to the employees that won’t cost the company as much money but may improve staff morale.

Task

Answer his problems (if appropriate) and give him your professional view about what to do.