Embrace Freedom: Krystal Talbert's Freedom Retreat

A Unique Benefit That Promotes Work-Life Balance

Are you ready to experience a career benefit that truly embodies work-life balance?

Meet Krystal Talbert, Vice President of Marketing and now Freedom Retreat veteran. Clickstop’s unique benefit of a Freedom Retreat offers a remarkable opportunity to rejuvenate and reconnect with what truly matters in life.

Let’s dive into Krystal’s inspiring experience and uncover how Clickstop’s people-focused and values-centered benefits are changing the way we view work and personal life.

What is a Freedom Retreat?

The Freedom Retreat is Clickstop’s innovative way of introducing the concept of a sabbatical into the present moment. Employee-owners are eligible after celebrating 5 years with us. It’s a chance to break free from the daily grind and enjoy an extended retreat with family, friends, or even in solitude. This benefit encourages freedom not only of time but also of thought and experience. Designed to enrich employees’ lives through an extended retreat during their careers, it’s all about fostering personal growth, relaxation, and exploration.

Why was this benefit introduced?

Clickstop’s commitment to its employees is at the core of every benefit it offers. The Freedom Retreat was introduced to provide relief from stress, encourage personal growth, and facilitate the pursuit of individual interests. It also aims to enhance the company’s scalability by actively delegating roles and responsibilities during an employee’s time away.

Krystal’s Freedom Retreat Experience

Krystal embarked on her Freedom Retreat from May 30 to August 22. Her decision to embrace this benefit was influenced by the positive experiences of her colleagues, particularly Sarah Meinders. Hearing about the benefits of the Freedom Retreat from someone who had already taken it made Krystal’s decision all the more exciting.

Timing played a significant role in Krystal’s decision. With her children Olivia (7) and Connor (5) at an age where they could fully enjoy their time together, Krystal saw this summer as the perfect opportunity.

“With them at 7 and 5, there’s no more naps and no need to hold a daycare spot,” said Krystal. “It was the perfect summer for it!”

The absence of naps and daycare commitments allowed them to make the most of their days outdoors. From swimming to golfing, visiting the library to exploring new playgrounds, they made unforgettable memories.

Krystal and her family also had some unique adventures during her Freedom Retreat. They acted as a support crew for her mom during RAGBRAI, exploring various parts of the state, and made their way to St. Louis to cheer on the Cardinals during a weekend trip.

Supportive Environment

Krystal’s experience was further enriched by the remarkable support of her team.

A shared workload across team members ensured a smooth transition during her leave. With a focus on process documentation and well-defined roles, her team exemplified Clickstop’s collaborative spirit. Team leads stepped in to provide support, highlighting the strong sense of unity among Clickstop employees.

“During my leave, employees at Clickstop had the opportunity to try new projects, take on challenges independently, and get outside of their comfort zone. For Clickstop to continue to set itself up for long-term growth, more of this type of activity will be required to limit reliance on a small handful of individuals for each area of the business and expand knowledge and impact across teams.”

Not only did they hold down the fort while she was away, but the team also sent Krystal and her family to Lost Island Waterpark for a day.

Transformative Learnings

“My goal for the Freedom Retreat was to completely disconnect from work,” said Krystal. “I’ve been working since I got my first summer job at Montezuma SuperValu when I was 14, and I was curious what life would be like without the professional responsibilities that can take up so much of our lives as adults.”

Krystal’s Freedom Retreat offered her just that. Surprisingly, she found herself far from bored; her days were filled with enriching experiences. This newfound perspective underscored the importance of dedicating time to personal life beyond work:

“This reconfirmed for me the importance of people making time to focus on their life outside of Clickstop. I’m coming back from my freedom retreat energized, fresh, and appreciative.”

Clickstop’s focus on work-life balance is demonstrated through this benefit, emphasizing the company’s commitment to seeing our people as more than just employees.

The Most Rewarding Aspect

The highlight of Krystal’s Freedom Retreat was undoubtedly the opportunity to dedicate quality time to her children. The retreat allowed her to disconnect from work completely and immerse herself entirely in her role as a mother. It’s a perspective shift that many working parents yearn for—an opportunity to reassess priorities and appreciate the most important aspects of life.

Krystal’s Advice

Krystal’s experience left her with a firm conviction: every employee should explore the possibility of a Freedom Retreat. Running the numbers and planning ahead can provide confidence in the financial aspects of the benefit. While the planning might require some effort, the unparalleled benefits far outweigh the initial preparation.

A Freedom Retreat at Clickstop is a distinctive approach to employee benefits. It’s a benefit that transcends the conventional boundaries of work and encourages individuals to rediscover themselves, their families, and their passions. In a world where work-life balance is paramount, Clickstop is leading the way in ensuring its employees enjoy not only a fulfilling career but also a deeply enriched life.