We offer unlimited time off and I, as the CTO, do keep track. But only to make sure folks are taking time off! I push people to GTFO - unplug, etc. I also have a sense during my weekly 1:1s, who is getting a little frazzled. I then encourage them to unplug for a bit. I think it works well.
There's a bit of a meta-meme right now of "No managers!" which is pushback against "Command and Control" - which I whole-heartedly agree with. However, for hard-working "Type A" sorts of programmers, it's easy to get so focused that you don't take care of yourself, even as a responsible adult.
I view my job as a gardener - tending to the care and feeding of folks that work with me. Every now and again a person needs a mental "weeding", and so a vacation is needed. :D
I have a friend who works as an electrical engineer for the Israeli army. He told me that in some ways working for the military is better than working as a civilian, since a boss only cares about the work you, whereas your officer is responsible for you as a person, including your health and well-being.
There's a bit of a meta-meme right now of "No managers!" which is pushback against "Command and Control" - which I whole-heartedly agree with. However, for hard-working "Type A" sorts of programmers, it's easy to get so focused that you don't take care of yourself, even as a responsible adult.
I view my job as a gardener - tending to the care and feeding of folks that work with me. Every now and again a person needs a mental "weeding", and so a vacation is needed. :D