What would you do if your employer was giving you up to five years off? In a unique way of cutting costs, Spain’s second-largest bank, BBVA, is asking employees just that question. Before you think they’re just handing out furloughs, keep in mind that BBVA is paying its employees not to work. Those who take the program only get 30 percent of their normal pay, but they get to keep their health benefits for the duration of their time off and are guaranteed a job to come back to at the end of their leave! If that’s not right for you, BBVA is also offering time-off arrangements for employees wanting to return to school and/or shorter work weeks.
I think that if my employer offered me any of these options, I’d jump at the ones I could qualify for. I’d love to get paid not to work for five years; I’d spend that time working on PopFi or writing a novel or something. I’d even love a four-day work week in exchange for four ten-hour work days because I could use that extra day to rest and recharge (AKA stay up late the night before and sleep until noon).
Three years does seem like an awfully long time to go on a third of your normal salary, though. I think most of the people who’d take that either don’t need the money too badly or feel confident they can pick up a second job (or actually take the leave to work on projects like they promised they would). I know I could get a lot done with a few free years at my disposal, like grow a killer garden.
Tags: BBVA, saving money, economy, paid not to work, unusual employment ideas, business, cutting costs
