Employee Benefits

Not using PTO? Here is what you need to know

Paid time off (PTO) policies are an important employee benefit, designed not only to attract top talent but also to boost employee retention and ensure a healthy, positive workplace culture. However, despite these clear advantages, the United States remains one of just three countries with the least number of paid vacation days, averaging only 10 days per year. Shockingly, 78% of workers don’t even take the time off that they are allowed!

This neglect of PTO can have serious consequences. Prolonged periods of work without breaks can lead to mental and physical exhaustion, ultimately affecting your overall well-being and performance at work. Taking time off is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, preventing burnout, and even sparking creativity and innovation. PTO provides the opportunity to disconnect from work, take a break and recharge, and let stress dissipate before it becomes more serious, chronic conditions, such as burnout.

It’s easy to get caught up in your work, but the human body requires regular rest and recovery time. When we don’t take advantage of PTO and allow that rest, we risk exacerbating illness or causing new health problems. Stress from overwork can contribute to a range of bigger health issues including cardiovascular disease, impaired immunity, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Although the culture of "powering through" is often praised, the truth is that our health, and our work, suffers as a result. In fact, studies show that using PTO can significantly reduce stress and boost employee productivity by as much as 80%.

In May 2021, the World Health Organization released a study that revealed a troubling connection between working long hours and approximately 745,000 deaths annually due to stroke and ischemic heart disease across the globe. This marked a 29% increase in such deaths since the year 2000. In addition to physical health benefits, taking time off also plays a key role in mental well-being. According to the American Psychological Association, mental health improvements are one of the top reasons to take vacations. 

Ultimately, by making yourself a priority and taking the time you need, you are benefiting not only your own health but also your company’s success. Employees who take regular breaks and engage in activities outside of work that they enjoy, such as traveling, pursuing personal projects, or spending time with loved ones, are generally happier and more fulfilled. This happiness translates to tangible benefits for businesses as well. Studies show that happier employees tend to have lower turnover, which can save companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in direct costs alone. It has been shown that these employees are often more productive, making it clear that supporting employee well-being is ultimately in the best interest of the company. 

Remember that utilizing your PTO is important for you and your company, so use it!