#3 Orbitz Worldwide
When you work hard, you should be able to play hard, too--or take a vacation. At Chicago-based, global online travel giant Orbitz Worldwide, free time is given just as much importance as work time, and the benefits show in the attitude of the employees.
Within the first four years in the company, employees enjoy 12 vacation days, 5 floating holidays, 10 regular holidays, and an allotment of "sick hours," as well. But the time off doesn't stop there. HR Director Mark Tumiel says Orbitz's volunteer program is particularly special. "You get two days off to volunteer in any destination around the world, a free flight, and a free hotel night. Employees take pictures of their experience and post them around the office to encourage others to do good deeds in the community. One hundred and fifty people participated in the program last year alone."
Employees also get free airline vouchers in order to promote travel--something that makes sense for this international travel company. When you're on the road, you can still get your work done. "Our employees have a great deal of flexibility," says Nisha Thakkar, Internal Communications Manager. "Everyone has a Blackberry, so you can call into a meeting or work from home. Orbitz provides tools so people can work from wherever they want."
For those who tweet on the go and regularly utilize social networking sites, Orbitz is the place to be. "Orbitz heavily relies on social media sites," says Jeffrey Sippel, Senior Director of Marketing Strategy. "Our CEO tweeted five times his very first day on the job. We have an entire department dedicated to our social media strategy. The more you use it, the more you understand how it can contribute positively to the organization."
Gen Yers at the company appreciate the effort made by higher ups to connect with them and hear their input. They also appreciate the casual environment of the office. "Orbitz cares about the work I get done, not about how I'm dressed while I do my work," says Software Development Engineer Steven Mullins. "Orbitz focuses on what is best for its employees and the company. It's a very relaxed environment."
And it's not just travel around the globe that's encouraged: the company urges employees to be free while in the office, too. "This is not a typical company where you are forced to stay at your desk and keep your head down," says Mullins. "Orbitz is the opposite. You need to be involved in the activities here and socialize and just have fun."
