Caught up with a startup CEO friend last night and we discussed how to prevent toxic, burnout culture:
Unlimited vacation is a scam. When people have unlimited vacation they take less vacation because it is typically contingent upon getting massive amounts of work done & supervisor approval in order to leave. It was created because tech has grown out of California where vacation days, if specified, are required by law to roll over regardless of the amount. That creates a giant liability for a company as employees are entitled to be paid out for vacation when they leave.
Invest in a whistleblower policy.
Invest in a 3rd party to handle Title VII (sexual harassment, discrimination, etc) incidents. This will protect the startup against costly legal fees from EEOC claims as well as scandal. BTW this is totally affordable for a startup.
Get an experienced & good HR professional to help you as soon as you hire key roles. You can get someone part-time/project basis to help you set up. Yes, also affordable.
Unfortunately, #2&3 are often handled internally. That creates a huge conflict of interest and brings politics in to muddy the waters. All four can be startup killers. Be a leader. Be #peoplefirst#givefirst
