About 40 percent of American workers plan to let their paid vacation days go to waste this year, thanks to fears about what will happen if they get away from the office for too long. You've got to be creative to make Americans take time off, and software company Atlassian (headquartered in Australia with an office in San Francisco) has done just that.
Atlassian's chief people officer Jeffrey Diana joined HuffPost Live's Nancy Redd on Monday to discuss his company's "pre-cation" policy, which offers new hires paid time off before they work a single day. The idea, Diana explained, is that workers will hit the ground running more quickly and effectively if they have time to recharge before starting a new job. And if new employees prefer not to take the vacation before arriving for their first day, they have a whole year to take advantage of the innovative benefits.
Watch Diana explain the company's "pre-cation" policy in the video above, and click here for the full HuffPost Live conversation about this trendy work perk.
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Before You Go
Saint Lucia: Caribbean Flair With A Game Of Cricket
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Expected: You’ll definitely recognize St. Lucia’s Caribbean roots in the realm of music, from its indigenous folk to reggae to zouk. In October, you can check out Jounen Kweyol (Kreyol Day), which puts Creole culture on full display, from festive music to traditional food like green fig and salt fish, the official dish of St. Lucia.
Surprise: St. Lucia has developed a cultural identity that demonstrates both its indigenous culture and colonial influences. You’ll only need to head to the cricket pitch to see the influence of the British. It turns out that cricket is massively popular in the West Indies; St. Lucia even hosted the Cricket World Cup in 2007. Fun fact: The official language is English, but most of the population speaks St. Lucian Creole French (commonly known as “patois,”) which combines elements of both French and West African languages.
Surprise: St. Lucia has developed a cultural identity that demonstrates both its indigenous culture and colonial influences. You’ll only need to head to the cricket pitch to see the influence of the British. It turns out that cricket is massively popular in the West Indies; St. Lucia even hosted the Cricket World Cup in 2007. Fun fact: The official language is English, but most of the population speaks St. Lucian Creole French (commonly known as “patois,”) which combines elements of both French and West African languages.
Rome: Ancient Ruins Amongst A Modern Cityscape
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Expected: Founded in 753 B.C., Rome was a beacon for civilization. Ancient architectural feats, like the Parthenon, are still standing for the world to see. So take the time to look into the deep past and view the Amphitheatre, Triumphal Arch and the Baths of Diocletian, among other destinations. You won’t believe how well they’re preserved.
Surprise: Just because Rome is rooted in ancient history doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. Rome has a wealth of modern restaurants that makes the city a cosmopolitan destination for food. Metamorfosi, located in the Parioli district of Italy, is a beacon of molecular gastronomy. Check out this site for more information on “futurist cuisine” in the ancient city.
Surprise: Just because Rome is rooted in ancient history doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. Rome has a wealth of modern restaurants that makes the city a cosmopolitan destination for food. Metamorfosi, located in the Parioli district of Italy, is a beacon of molecular gastronomy. Check out this site for more information on “futurist cuisine” in the ancient city.
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Geek Style With An Artsy Angle
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Expected: Santa Fe, with its gorgeous natural landscape, has long been known as a destination for artists. But you don’t have to be artistic to appreciate the wealth of culture on display: try visiting the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Museum of International Folk Art, and dozens of other small galleries and you’ll be inspired soon enough.
Surprise: If you’re really not the artsy type, don’t fret: you can head out to geek country in only the span of a few hours. Roswell, N.M., is well known as the site of a possible (or definite, depending on whom you ask) UFO crash in 1947, and you can still go on a tour with local UFO researchers. If you head to the plains of San Agustin, you’ll find the Karl G. Janksky Very Large Array, a radio astronomy observatory. You can take a special guided tour on the first Saturday of every month.
Surprise: If you’re really not the artsy type, don’t fret: you can head out to geek country in only the span of a few hours. Roswell, N.M., is well known as the site of a possible (or definite, depending on whom you ask) UFO crash in 1947, and you can still go on a tour with local UFO researchers. If you head to the plains of San Agustin, you’ll find the Karl G. Janksky Very Large Array, a radio astronomy observatory. You can take a special guided tour on the first Saturday of every month.
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Hershey, PA: Theme Park Mixed With Amish Country
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Expected: With a name like Hershey, you should demand chocolate. The theme park is a chocolate lover’s paradise, complete with 12 adrenaline-inducing coasters. There are even 14 water rides. Don’t worry: they’re ranked from “aggressive thrill” to “moderate thrill,” so you know what you’re getting into.
Surprise: Not far from where roller coasters and factory machines reign supreme, you’ll find the Amish of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It’s a step back in time, from the still-predominant horse-drawn buggies to windmill-powered farms. Stop by the pretzel bakery for a treat and check out these offbeat attractions.
Surprise: Not far from where roller coasters and factory machines reign supreme, you’ll find the Amish of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It’s a step back in time, from the still-predominant horse-drawn buggies to windmill-powered farms. Stop by the pretzel bakery for a treat and check out these offbeat attractions.
Israel: Beach And Vineyards All In One
Flickr
Expected: From Mediterranean coastal cities, like Tel-Aviv and Haifa, to resort towns like Eilat on the Red Sea and Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee, Israel is well-known for its tourist-friendly beach destinations. Surprise: Northern Israel is a stark contrast from the desert-like beaches of the South. The Galilee and Golan Heights are green, hilly areas known for lush vineyards and winter skiing. You can also head west and check out the town of Zichron Yaakov -- a small winery village located in the Carmel mountain range.
Tokyo, Japan: High Brow Among The Low Brow
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Expected: Tokyo has become the world’s leading culinary destination, surpassing even Paris as the city with the most Michelin-Star restaurants. Whether you’re dining on traditional sushi or more contemporary fare, you can find a range of creative dishes made from high-quality ingredients.
Surprise: Tourists seeking entertainment with their food can visit the city’s numerous Cat Cafes (yes, with cats all around) and Maid Cafes (yes, with servers dressed as French Maids). If these options sound too pedestrian, a trip to Shinjuku’s Robot Restaurant offers diners an epic live show featuring costumed dancers, club music and lasers to go with their bento box.
Surprise: Tourists seeking entertainment with their food can visit the city’s numerous Cat Cafes (yes, with cats all around) and Maid Cafes (yes, with servers dressed as French Maids). If these options sound too pedestrian, a trip to Shinjuku’s Robot Restaurant offers diners an epic live show featuring costumed dancers, club music and lasers to go with their bento box.
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Iceland: Hot Springs Near The Glaciers
Siam Orpal
Expected: Even though the Vikings trickily swapped the names of Greenland and Iceland, we still can’t help but expect that Iceland will be cold and, well, icy. So it shouldn’t come as too much of a shock that this country has glaciers and icebergs, like those in Joklulsarlon, filling up the land and oceans (even though you can expect temperatures to be in the 50s).Surprise: Mixing things up are the hot springs where you can escape the chill. These naturally heated pools, like the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, are great for relaxing alongside the beautiful ice mountains.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Rain Forests With The Beach Nearby
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Expected: As an island, Puerto Rico is lined with beautiful beaches. We love Isla Verde, with its soft, pink sand and reputation as one of the best beaches for swimming.
Surprise: An hour or so away from San Juan, you’ll find the El Yunque Rain Forest, part of the Luquillo Mountains. This subtropical region is home to lush vegetation and is great for hiking. If the beach didn’t already make you completely at ease, we’ll tell you this one comforting fact: You won’t find any poisonous snakes in El Yunque.
Surprise: An hour or so away from San Juan, you’ll find the El Yunque Rain Forest, part of the Luquillo Mountains. This subtropical region is home to lush vegetation and is great for hiking. If the beach didn’t already make you completely at ease, we’ll tell you this one comforting fact: You won’t find any poisonous snakes in El Yunque.
Snow Skiing With Poolside Tanning Right Next Door
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Expected: Palm Springs has no shortage of awesome weather, so we don’t begrudge you for lying poolside all day. Get your sunscreen and hit the pool, golf course or campground.
Surprise: Sure, Palm Springs is technically in the middle of a desert in the Coachella Valley, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your fill of winter sports. Hit up San Jacinto Mountain or Big Bear Lake for fresh powder during late fall to early spring. After getting the best of both worlds in Palm Springs, you’ll never go back to blistering-cold East Coast skiing again.
Surprise: Sure, Palm Springs is technically in the middle of a desert in the Coachella Valley, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your fill of winter sports. Hit up San Jacinto Mountain or Big Bear Lake for fresh powder during late fall to early spring. After getting the best of both worlds in Palm Springs, you’ll never go back to blistering-cold East Coast skiing again.
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