The modern workplace can be a stressful and demanding environment. Paid time off (PTO) is a highly valuable resource for employees, allowing them to rest, recharge and pursue other interests. For employers, there are also various benefits to workers taking their PTO, including increased productivity and reduced days lost to illness and burnout. However, statistics indicate that many US workers under-utilize their PTO and the many opportunities it presents. In this article, we’ll discuss how employees can make the most of their PTO, and the benefits it can provide to employers.
PTO in the USA – key facts
While guaranteed PTO is not a legal right for US workers, most employees in the US do receive some sort of paid vacation or leave. Statistics indicate that 87% of private sector employees have PTO, while the average amount of paid leave for each US worker after one year in employment is 11 days. This increases to 15 days after five years’ employment and 20 after two decades.
However, despite this, many US employees don’t take full advantage of their PTO. In fact, Pew Research Center reports around half of workers don’t use their full annual PTO entitlement (46%). According to the same study, around half (49%) of those who don’t take their full leave allocation say they’re worried about falling behind if they take it. 43% of workers say they feel bad about their co-workers having to take on more work if they take the time off they’re entitled to.
Why your PTO is important for your career
There are numerous great reasons for employees to take all the PTO they’re entitled to. While it can feel tempting to forego your leave entitlement to focus on delivering for your employer or advancing your career, taking a break from work can actually equip you to do those things better in the long term.
It might feel counterintuitive to suggest that taking time off work can boost your career, but this is supported by the evidence. One study shows that for every 10 hours of vacation time employees took, their year-end work performance increased by 8%.
Meanwhile, other studies show the mental health benefits of taking paid vacation. One such study claims that every 10 days taken off work accounts for a 29% decrease in depression rates.
So, the evidence is fairly persuasive, that taking time away from work allows you to recharge, clear your mind and return to work fresher and ready to perform to a higher standard than ever. Failing to take your PTO in full may make you feel like you’re putting in the extra yards for your employer, but this can perpetuate the culture of presenteeism in the workplace. This can become harmful, both for you as an employee, and for your employer.
How to use your PTO to boost your career
Strategic use of your PTO can have various positive effects on your career. Here are some tips to make the most of your PTO to improve your performance and advance your career progression:
Learn a new skill
Even though you’re taking time off work, your personal and professional development never stops. Taking time away from your job can give you the chance to develop a new skill that may be useful in future. This could be something that benefits your current role, enhances your employability or opens up new career opportunities for you. Think about current trends in the job market and where you want your career to go, and use your vacation time to prepare you for that future.
Top tips:
- Enrol in an online course.
- Read a book on a subject you want to learn more about.
Refresh your creativity
While you’re working hard at your day job, it can become easy to slip into autopilot and take the safe, established path towards getting your work done. Creativity allows you to think in new ways and find innovative solutions to daily problems and challenges, but the daily grind can be antithetical to this. Taking time away from work can make it easier for you to recover the creative, risk-taking spirit that can take your career to new heights.
Top tips:
- Pursue a creative activity.
- Spend time in a new, unfamiliar environment.
Recharge your batteries
Simply using your PTO to rest and recover from the stress and physical toll of work can prepare you to return to work with greater intensity and vigor. Even if your job isn’t physically demanding, the constant nature of work can have a cumulative effect that leaves you physically tired and more susceptible to illness. Recharging your batteries can help you to be more productive in the long term.
Top tip:
- Leave some time completely free in your PTO schedule.
Attend to ongoing medical issues
If you’re avoiding addressing a medical issue because of the pressures of work, you’re at risk of making it worse. This could result in you being forced to take even more time off work later on if the problems persist. Using PTO to address longstanding medical issues will help to keep you fit for work and benefit your career progression over time.
Top tip:
- If you have an ongoing medical condition, don’t ignore it — take some time off to address it as soon as possible.
Why PTO is valuable for employers
The benefits of a rested, healthy workforce cannot be overstated for employers. It’s easy to believe that longer hours and a culture of employee self-sacrifice leads to better performing teams and organizations, but almost all the evidence goes against this notion. In fact, studies show that in numerous instances, productivity levels are inversely linked to annual hours worked. This means that working fewer hours, and taking more time off work, can actually make your workforce more productive.
Just some of the benefits of employees taking their full allocation of PTO include:
- Better productivity
- More creative workforce
- Higher levels of loyalty and engagement
- Fewer days lost to illness, burnout and mental health conditions
Top tips for HR professionals to encourage effective use of PTO
If you’re an HR professional wanting to encourage your employees to use their PTO more effectively, consider implementing some or all of the following actions:
Create a flexible, dynamic work environment:
a better work-life balance is one of the key career objectives of US workers, according to a study by Jobseeker.com. Encouraging flexible working practices can reduce presenteeism and the pressure on employees to feel they need to be seen at work, which can reduce the stigma associated with taking PTO.
Manage workloads and coverage:
one of the key reasons US workers give for not taking all their PTO is the pressure the extra work can place on co-workers. Encourage managers to keep a close eye on individual workloads and establish a culture of open discussion around PTO to ensure teams are well-equipped to cover for absent team members.
Make PTO a core element of performance appraisals:
including discussions about PTO in annual performance reviews can remove any taboos employees may feel about discussing this with management. You might even consider creating an objective around taking leave, if employees are struggling to take their full allocation.
Encourage management to take their allotted PTO:
as well as discussing PTO openly with their juniors, managers can create a culture of PTO by taking their full allocation. Managers are typically less likely to take their full entitlement of leave than junior staff, so addressing this imbalance can set the tone for the rest of the organization.
Remove the need for a reason to take PTO:
workers may feel the need to justify time off, and if they don’t have a good reason, they might feel guilty about approaching management to request a vacation. Clearly and intentionally removing the need to provide a reason can reduce the element of shyness employees might feel about asking for time off.
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Why do many employees in the U.S. not use all their PTO?
There are several reasons why U.S. workers often leave PTO unused. Common factors include fear of falling behind at work, guilt about burdening coworkers, and workplace cultures that subtly discourage taking time off. In some organizations, employees feel that taking vacation time could negatively impact their professional image or advancement opportunities. Encouraging open communication and modeling healthy time-off habits can help break this cycle.
How much PTO do employees in the U.S. typically receive?
On average, U.S. employees receive around 11 paid days off after one year of employment, increasing to 15 days after five years and 20 days after 20 years, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, these averages vary by industry, company size, and tenure. Despite this, research shows that nearly half of U.S. workers don’t use their full PTO allocation each year.
What are the main benefits of taking all your PTO?
Taking your full PTO allocation provides significant physical, mental, and professional benefits. It:
Reduces stress and burnout.
Improves mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Boosts creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Increases long-term productivity and job performance.
Enhances job satisfaction and work-life balance.
Studies consistently show that employees who take regular breaks perform better, have lower absenteeism rates, and are more engaged in their roles.
Can taking PTO actually improve career performance?
Yes, and it’s backed by data. Research has found that for every 10 hours of vacation taken, employees’ year-end performance ratings improve by around 8%. Time away from work gives your brain a chance to reset, which can lead to sharper focus, better creativity, and more innovative thinking when you return. Taking PTO isn’t a setback; it’s an investment in sustained performance.
What are some smart ways to use PTO for career growth?
Strategically using PTO can boost your professional development as well as your wellbeing. Some effective ways include:
Learning new skills: Take an online course or workshop related to your field.
Networking: Attend a professional conference or event.
Creative refreshment: Spend time exploring hobbies or travel to new environments that inspire creative thinking.
Health and wellness: Use time off to rest, recharge, or address medical needs you’ve been postponing.
Balancing rest and personal growth during PTO can leave you energized and more prepared for long-term success.
How does taking PTO help prevent burnout?
Burnout occurs when prolonged stress and overwork exhaust your physical and emotional energy. Taking regular PTO allows you to disconnect, rest, and recover, breaking that cycle of constant pressure. Even short breaks throughout the year can significantly reduce fatigue, restore motivation, and prevent mental exhaustion, which in turn leads to better overall performance.
Why is it beneficial for employers when employees take PTO?
Employers benefit tremendously from encouraging workers to take their time off. Well-rested employees are:
More productive and focused.
Less likely to make errors or experience burnout.
More creative and engaged in problem-solving.
Less likely to take unplanned sick days.
Promoting a healthy PTO culture also enhances morale, retention, and the overall reputation of the organization as an employer that values work-life balance.
How can HR encourage employees to take their full PTO?
HR professionals can promote effective PTO usage by:
Normalizing time off: Make it clear that taking PTO is expected and encouraged, not frowned upon.
Managing workloads: Ensure adequate coverage during absences so employees don’t feel guilty about taking leave.
Leading by example: Encourage managers to take their full PTO and model healthy behavior.
Integrating PTO discussions into reviews: Bring up PTO during performance evaluations to remove any stigma.
Eliminating “approval guilt”: Avoid requiring employees to justify their reasons for taking leave.
By making PTO part of the company’s wellness and performance strategy, HR can create a culture where rest and productivity coexist.
What if employees feel anxious about taking time off?
It’s common for employees to feel uneasy about stepping away from work, especially in high-demand environments. HR and leadership can help by fostering transparency, setting clear expectations, and providing coverage plans. Remind employees that using PTO is part of being an effective, sustainable contributor, not a sign of weakness or disinterest.
How can employees plan PTO to maximize its benefits?
To make the most of your time off:
Plan early: Schedule vacations around slower work periods to reduce stress.
Disconnect fully: Avoid checking work emails or messages while away.
Mix long breaks with mini getaways: A few long vacations and short weekends off can help maintain balance year-round.
Use it proactively: Don’t save all your days for emergencies, regular breaks improve performance throughout the year.
What role does company culture play in PTO usage?
Company culture is one of the strongest predictors of how much PTO employees actually take. If leadership and managers regularly take time off and promote balance, employees feel safer doing the same. Conversely, in “always-on” work cultures, employees often fear judgment or repercussions for taking vacation days. Creating a supportive environment where rest is valued is key to maximizing PTO’s benefits.
Should employees ever skip PTO to get ahead?
In most cases, no. Skipping PTO can lead to burnout, health problems, and lower productivity, all of which harm career progress in the long run. Sustainable success comes from maintaining balance, not from constant overwork. Taking time off allows you to return refreshed, more motivated, and ready to perform at a higher level.
What’s the best way for managers to set a positive example around PTO?
Leaders and managers have a powerful influence on how employees view time off. By openly taking their own PTO, talking about its benefits, and supporting their team’s ability to do the same, managers signal that rest is not only acceptable but necessary. Leading by example is one of the most effective ways to change organizational attitudes toward PTO.
Conclusion
Employees often underutilize or misuse their paid time off (PTO), either not taking enough or taking it in ways that don’t maximize rest and productivity. This article will explore how to plan PTO strategically to prevent burnout, enhance creativity, and even support professional growth. It will also touch on how HR can encourage employees to take PTO effectively.