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The Myth of Unlimited Leave:
Trust as the Foundation of Success

In today’s world, where company culture is increasingly recognized as a key to success, it comes as no surprise that many organizations strive to improve theirs. But what does that truly entail? And how do you build a culture that makes employees happy while also making your organization thrive? Tim Berghmans, partner at Amazing Cultures (www.amazingcultures.be) and former leader at Marbles, shares his insights with Captain & Stoker on the vital role of a strong company culture, and why so many businesses struggle to create their ideal work environment.

As COO, Tim Berghmans spent seven years co-leading marketing agency Marbles. Starting from a challenging position, he and the team built a self-managing organization that broke free from traditional HR boundaries. Through many bold experiments – such as unlimited leave, employees setting their own salaries, and eliminating all rules – he established the organization as an attractive employer. Drawing from his extensive experience and driven by his personal mission to see happy employees in every company, Tim now supports, motivates, and activates organizations to make company culture a key driver of their business.

Tim vividly recalls a profound moment in 2017, when a colleague died in a tragic traffic accident. This shocking event made him realize how precious our time on this earth is: “We need to be happy in what we do. It is important to invest in a culture that not only gets work done but also contributes to people’s well-being.”

Freedom with Responsibility

A standout feature of Marbles’ company culture was its policy of unlimited vacation days: “That flexibility was often misunderstood by outsiders,” Tim says. “People assume it will lead to abuse. They imagine extreme scenarios, like employees taking six months off. But the reality was very different. Our employees took an average of 28 vacation days per year, and notably, the average number of sick days suddenly dropped from 6 to 1.”

 

The idea behind this unlimited leave policy was simple: trusting employees to be mature enough to manage their own needs and make collective decisions as a team. Of course, situations occurred where some people took more vacation than others, but Tim points out that the team dynamics always resolved this in a healthy way. In some cases, it even sparked honest conversations about the departure of a colleague who was no longer the right fit for the team.

Tim Berghmans

Leadership is Key

Leadership plays a crucial role in creating a culture of freedom and responsibility. Tim explains how leaders must not only set the tone but are also responsible for maintaining the right framework. “As a leader, you set the vibe in the company,” he says. “Tom and I were the ones who maximized freedom, but we also made it our responsibility to guide this effectively.”

One of the most important lessons Tim learned was the importance of being present as a leader. “You can’t just let things take their course. In challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, being present as a leader and supporting the team was more important than ever.”

Competitive Advantage

This culture not only made employees happier but also made the company more attractive to new talent. “We had no trouble attracting top talent, while larger companies struggled with high salary demands,” Tim says. “Freedom, focus on autonomy, and opportunities for personal growth were key factors. Employees could discover themselves and explore new roles.”

The culture at Marbles led to lower absenteeism and greater self-care among employees. “During challenging times like COVID-19, we saw people taking responsibility for their own well-being. They communicated when they wanted to work from home or weren’t feeling well,” Tim explains. “This fostered a more mindful and resilient work ethic.”

Broader Awareness

Tim observes a growing market trend: more companies are starting to recognize the importance of a strong company culture, yet many still struggle to effectively implement a strategy. “It often comes down to isolated initiatives with little cohesion,” he explains. “The bigger picture is frequently missing. Companies should not only invest in well-being programs but also provide the right context and leadership to make these initiatives work. It is important that culture is not treated as a standalone initiative but as part of a broader vision. It is a continuous process, like peeling back layers of an onion. And you need to choose the right moment for the right initiatives and always start by understanding your employees, your teams, and your specific context.”

Your Own Unique Culture

One of Tim’s key insights is that every organization has its own unique culture, and that embracing it is important. “You can’t simply copy another company’s culture,” he says. “What works for one company won’t necessarily work for another. At Marbles, the unlimited leave policy was a success because it aligned with the company culture, but it is not a universal solution. Every company needs to find its own path.”

Most importantly, organizations must recognize the impact culture has on their employees’ work experience and well-being. When companies strike the right balance between freedom, responsibility, and security, they foster an environment in which employees truly thrive.

Company Culture in Action

When asked to name an inspiring company in terms of culture, Tim mentions Patagonia, the world-renowned outdoor brand that places both environmental awareness and employee freedom at its core. “Patagonia is a great example of a company that combines responsibility for the world and its own employees with love and respect. They place a lot of trust in their people, provide on-site daycare… And they have a fun rule: ‘When the weather is great for surfing, you go surfing!’ That just feels right to me.”

As a Belgian example, Tim mentions Payflip, a company whose culture is similar to Marbles’. They prioritize freedom and responsibility, supported by a strong company culture.

At Captain & Stoker, we believe that company culture is the foundation of success. Creating a culture where employees feel safe, valued, and responsible benefits not just the people, but the organization as a whole. Tim Berghmans’ insights serve as a valuable guide for any organization looking to improve its culture and to shape the future of work. It is not just about implementing new rules, but about building an environment where employees can grow, thrive, and be happy.