Gastro entrepreneur Joëlle Apter (46) gives her employees two months’ vacation at full pay. In January and February it closes Restaurant Löwen in Hausen am Albis ZH. “Working for us is tiring, I want to give the team a break,” says the general manager and owner. Your 20 permanent employees will receive full pay during the two months of vacation. A noble train that is clearly well received.
Blick’s post caused a lot of backlash. “I have consistently received positive feedback,” Apter happily says. “I’m pleased and a little surprised by the huge response to the lion,” he says.
However, he remains modest, as he writes on Facebook: “There are many catering businesses in Switzerland that value their employees and are committed to a humane and sustainable company culture. All of these restaurants should be featured in the article.”
“I’m not looking for an employee”
The model, which has a two-month company holiday in the winter months, seems to be liked by potential employees as well. The landlady said, “I even got a few applications!” she says. But he emphasizes: “I am not currently looking for a new employee.”
For the first time, Löwen closed for the winter and sent employees on paid leave. This symbolizes the change in business: employees are no longer willing to work until they quit. A shortage of skilled workers works for them: companies depend on staff, not vice versa.
No fire drill
Paid company holidays are not a fire drill for attracting new staff. Instead, they adapt to an appreciative company culture. Apter is convinced: “Word will stick around.” (be)