Finvisor ’s Post

UNPOPULAR OPINION WARNING!!!!! The Truth About "Unlimited" PTO: It's Not What You Think Let's talk about unlimited PTO policies. At first glance, they sound like a dream – no more counting vacation days or feeling restricted. But here's the catch: they might not be as great as they seem. **1. Illusion of Freedom**: "Unlimited" PTO can sometimes feel like a mirage. In reality, employees might hesitate to take time off for fear of appearing less dedicated or falling behind on work. This can lead to burnout and stress. **2. Unequal Access**: Not everyone benefits equally from unlimited PTO. Often, it's the higher-ups who end up taking more time off, while junior staff might feel pressured to work more without clear guidelines. **3. Ambiguity and Confusion**: Without clear rules, employees may find it hard to plan their time off or negotiate fair leave. This ambiguity can breed resentment and affect team morale. **4. Impact on Performance**: Surprisingly, studies show that in some cases, productivity can drop with unlimited PTO. When there are no set boundaries, employees may struggle to disconnect, leading to decreased performance and creativity. **5. Health and Well-being**: True time off is crucial for mental health and well-being. A structured PTO policy encourages employees to recharge, reducing stress and improving overall happiness at work. So, before you jump on the "unlimited" PTO bandwagon, consider these points. A well-thought-out PTO policy, with clear guidelines and support for work-life balance, often proves to be more beneficial for both employees and the company. Let's prioritize real rest and recovery – it's essential for a healthy, motivated workforce! #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeWellbeing #HRInsights

The best advice I can give: Take full advantage of your company's unlimited PTO. Don't be afraid to ask for the time you want; it's the policy. There are a few things to consider though: First, give adequate advance of your planned PTO. It's harder to manage a variable amount of a team's time off than to know exactly who's eligible for exactly what time off ahead of time. You'll make less waves if you communicate ahead of time. Second, ask your supervisor if they believe you're abusing the policy; don't wait for them to come to you about it. Lastly, consider (and never forget) that you're working as much for those around you as you are for your company. The more time you take away from your team, the more work you're leaving for them. "Work hard. Play hard." and your unlimited PTO dreams can come true.

Take your PTO ---> Happiest Employees Take At Least 15 Days  📅 The benefits of PTO are undeniable. Taking Paid Time Off (PTO) is crucial for recharging and maintaining mental health, and reducing stress, anxiety, and burnout. 🧠 Regular PTO'ers tend to be happier and more satisfied with their jobs, leading to improved overall well-being and potentially reducing the likelihood of considering job changes. 😁 When returning from well-utilized PTO, employees often demonstrate increased productivity and performance. According to Calendarlabs's research, the happiest employees took an average of 15 paid time off (PTO) days last year, emphasizing the positive correlation between well-being and the utilization of vacation time. One unique observation was that U.S. employees take less than their U.K. counterparts, with the latter averaging about 24 days of PTO per year. Additionally --- 40% of U.S. employees did not utilize all their allocated PTO last year leading to forfeiting unused days. Why???? Employee Reluctance and Guilt. 😟 --> 78% of employees admitted feeling guilty about taking PTO, citing concerns about burdening colleagues or falling behind in their work. --> More than a quarter of employees hesitate to take PTO due to fears about job security. --> 69% of employees respond to work-related notifications during their official PTO 🤳 This emphasizes the importance of employers encouraging genuine disconnection during PTO, but accomplishing this involves leading by example. Managers should refrain from checking emails while out of the office and not expecting immediate responses and organizations need to ensure proper coverage during an employee's absence. This approach can alleviate stress and anxiety, especially during high-pressure times like the year-end, and lead to long-term benefits. Start by addressing the stigmas surrounding taking PTO and fully disconnecting. Addressing this will contribute significantly to fostering a healthier work environment and ensuring that employees feel supported and valued when they take the time they need to recharge. #mentalwellbeing #PTO #recharge #workplacewellbeing #mentalhealth

Take the PTO. I haven’t always been great at disconnecting and being fully present on vacation with family. One of my personal goals for 2024 is to slow down and be more intentional, so I made a conscious effort to disconnect from email and Teams allowing me to enjoy time with family at the beach, lake, and mountains. This was made so much easier by being empowered to take time off at Armanino LLP and by great colleagues who knew how to contact me if needed and who supported my time away. Taking meaningful time off takes planning, so I’m sharing one of my go-to resources from Renee Moelders at ConvergenceCoaching, LLC on how to truly unplug in the comments 👇 According to Pew Research, 46% of American workers did not take their full PTO in 2023 despite there being so many personal and business benefits including: ✅ Better mental and physical health. ✅ Rekindling relationships. ✅ Pursuing passions or new projects. ✅ Refocusing on what’s truly important. ✅ Improved productivity on return to work. ✅ Increased creativity and innovation. Take the PTO. #unhustle #pto #summer #leadership #employeeexperience #mentalhealthmatters #mentalwellness #liveyourbestlifenow #workplaceculture #hr #hrcommunity