A young boss from Gen Z reveals unconventional employee benefits, such as a later starting time and all-expenses-paid vacations.

Can we be employed there?

August 9th 2024.

A young boss from Gen Z reveals unconventional employee benefits, such as a later starting time and all-expenses-paid vacations.
Vicky Owens may only be 24 years old, but she is already a successful business owner who is making waves in the world of modern work culture. As the founder of Socially Speaking Media, a social media agency, Vicky represents the new generation of Gen Z bosses who are challenging traditional management styles.

However, what sets Vicky apart from other bosses is her unconventional approach to managing her team. In a recent TikTok video, she shared some of her tips for building an "unbreakable" team, which have raised some eyebrows. "For starters, I let my team start at 10am," Vicky explained. "I understand that not everyone is a morning person, so if someone prefers to start earlier and finish earlier, I allow that too. Most days, we all arrive at the office at 10am."

Working from home has been a hot topic in the last few years, causing tension between employers and employees. A YouGov poll revealed that almost half of Brits want a hybrid working situation, while 29% prefer to work remotely permanently. Vicky's relaxed attitude towards working from home is a refreshing change, and she believes she has created an environment where her team actually wants to come into the office. "If someone on my team feels more productive working from home on a certain day, I let them. Although, to be honest, they all prefer being in the office every day," she shared.

Vicky's easy-going approach also extends to her team's dress code. "I let my team wear whatever they want to the office, within reason," she said. "As long as they look presentable when clients come in, I'm happy with that." This relaxed dress code is favored by 74% of the workforce, who find formal workwear to be a hindrance.

But Vicky doesn't stop there. She also spoils her team with trips abroad. "I go on two luxury business retreats every year and always bring my team with me," she shared. "So far, we've been to Barbados, Marrakesh, and Tuscany." This may not be a unique concept, but it's definitely a morale booster for her team.

HR consultant Connor Hughes believes that Vicky's approach is creating a more relaxed and less hierarchical workplace culture, which is a trend he has noticed among younger leaders. "The success of these policies depends heavily on the maturity and self-discipline of the employees," he explained. "If they take advantage of the freedoms and slack off, productivity will suffer. But if they remain focused and engaged, the informal environment can foster creativity and job satisfaction."

For this management style to thrive, clear expectations, open communication, and a culture of mutual trust and accountability are crucial. "When executed well, it can lead to a highly engaged and productive workforce," Connor added.

Although Vicky's methods are unconventional, they have been well received on TikTok, with many young professionals wishing they could work for her. However, Vicky is not currently hiring, but there are plenty of other companies out there offering perks to their employees. For example, Google allows pets at work and offers free cookery and gym classes, while Skyscanner used to offer free food and table football. However, since the pandemic, companies have had to rethink their perks and benefits to cater to the changing needs of their employees.

It's clear that Vicky's approach to managing her team is not only refreshing but also aligns with the values of the younger generation who prioritize mental health and work-life balance. Her relaxed policies and unique outlook have attracted and retained talent, making her stand out in a competitive job market. After all, as one of Vicky's followers commented, "As long as the work gets done, why not have a little fun while doing it?"

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