Can you imagine a world where you don't track your vacation - and neither does your boss?

Today I read an article in The New York Times regarding IBM's new policy of not tracking vacation. They believe that if you stop nagging your employees, they'll actually step up and act like adults! What a novel concept. Everyone is still responsible for getting their job done, but they can be creative in when they get it done.

Granted this situation is best suited for exempt employees who are responsible for what they accomplish instead of how many hours they work, but it sure is a nice thought for all employees.

The concept also hearkens back to Best Buy's system called ROWE - Results Oriented Work Environment. And it also reminds me of one of my favorite books about work, Let My People Go Surfing by Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, given to me by Bill Berg at Cool Works (tm) just before I started this position back in March.

Employers are adapting with the times and beginning to address the "work-life balance." Isn't it great?

Viva Las Vegas!

Just a quick note to start a series of blogs from the 2007 SHRM Conference in Las Vegas. I am fortunate enough to not only attend the conference, but also to volunteer and see a bit behind the scenes. And last but not least, I'll hopefully get to spread some good old fashion Cool Works cheer.

Some numbers to ponder.

1,000,000 square feet of convention space

15,000 attendees

4,000 exhibitors

500 volunteers

200+ sessions for learning and networking

and

108 degrees!

If you're in town, post a comment and hopefully we'll be able to meet up somewhere.