Unlimited PTO

Unlimited PTO seems like a great idea, and if it is, in fact, Unlimited, it is. I have a slightly cynical view on this topic because Unlimited PTO was a solution to the Business problem of carrying over PTO on a balance sheet. And, studies have shown that it’s resulted in less time off for employees. In short, the idea was not born out of the employees’ needs and has not benefited them. It does have potential, however. If you are a manager or leader, you must ensure your team takes time off (for their mental health). If you are an individual contributor, it is your responsibility to take time off. For both parties, it is best to be clear on what that looks like and how the work gets done to make it happen.

Learning: If you are interviewing for a new job and the company offers “Unlimited PTO,” it’s worth a moment for you to ask what the average person in your role would take. If the answer is “Unlimited,” then you move on as you are asking for easily quantifiable data. If you have a current job, plan out your time at the beginning of the year and discuss it with your manager.

References and Resources

Unlimited vacation seems like a dream. Here’s why it’s not as great as it sounds by Jo Constantz and Bloomberg; Type: Article

Avoid the Hidden Costs of Unused Paid Time Off by Ian Cook/Visier; Type: Article

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Does this resonate with you? What are your thoughts on “Unlimited PTO”? We’d love to hear from you.