What's Happening?
Many American employees are not utilizing their paid time off (PTO), with some skipping it entirely over the past year. This issue is explored in a recent episode of the 'In Your Corner' podcast, hosted by Josh Sidorowicz, featuring career coach Rita
Friedman. The discussion highlights the reasons behind this trend and the potential negative impacts on both personal well-being and professional productivity. The podcast episode is available on the CBS Philadelphia YouTube channel.
Why It's Important?
The trend of employees not taking PTO can have significant implications for both individuals and organizations. For employees, skipping PTO can lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and reduced productivity. For employers, it can result in higher turnover rates and increased healthcare costs due to stress-related illnesses. Encouraging the use of PTO can improve employee morale and overall workplace efficiency, making it a critical issue for human resource departments to address.
What's Next?
Organizations may need to reassess their policies and culture around PTO to encourage employees to take their entitled time off. This could involve promoting the benefits of taking breaks, ensuring workloads are manageable, and creating a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable taking time off. Additionally, further discussions and studies on the impact of unused PTO could lead to policy changes at both corporate and legislative levels.
