Where Did Americans Leave the Most PTO on the Table? (And Why You Should Stop Doing That)
Let’s talk about vacation days. You know, those things you earn, plan for, and then… never actually use? Yeah, those. According to a recent study by Solitaire, Americans left a staggering amount of paid time off (PTO) unused in 2022. And no, this isn’t just an “oh, I forgot to take a day off” situation. We’re talking about billions of dollars worth of unused vacation time. Billions.
So, where are people leaving the most PTO on the table? More importantly, why are we doing this to ourselves? Let’s dive in. If there’s one thing I know, leadership starts with taking care of yourself, including taking a vacation.
The PTO Paradox: We Love It, But We Don’t Use It
First, let’s break down the numbers. Solitaired’s study found that Americans left 768 million days of PTO unused in 2022. That’s enough time to send everyone in the U.S. on a three-day weekend. And if you’re thinking, “Well, maybe people just don’t have that much PTO,” think again. The average American worker earns about 11 days of PTO per year but only uses 8
Here’s where it gets interesting: Some states are much worse than others regarding hoarding PTO. Who are the top offenders?
1. Washington, D.C.: Workers here left an average of 5.6 days unused.
2. Colorado: Close behind with 5.5 days unused.
3. Washington State: Not far off with 5.4 days unused.
Conversely, states like Mississippi and Hawaii were better at using their PTO, with workers leaving only about 3.5 days unused. But even that’s still too much.
Why Are We Doing This to Ourselves?
We all know vacations are good for us. They reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve our jobs. So why are we so bad at taking them?
1. The “Too Busy” Trap: This is the most common excuse. “I’m too busy at work.” “I can’t leave my team hanging.” Sound familiar? But here’s the truth: if you’re too busy to take a break, you’re too busy to be effective. Burnout is accurate, and it’s costing companies billions in lost productivity.
2. The Guilt Factor: Some people feel guilty taking time off, especially if their coworkers aren’t. But guess what? Your PTO is part of your compensation. You’ve earned it. Would you feel guilty cashing your paycheck? Exactly.
3. The Fear of Falling Behind: This one’s a doozy. Many workers worry that if they take time off, they’ll come back to a mountain of work. And sure, that might happen. But here’s the thing: if your workplace can’t function without you for a week, that’s a leadership problem—not a you problem.
What’s the Cost of Unused PTO?
Let’s talk dollars and cents. Unused PTO isn’t just bad for your mental health; it’s terrible for your wallet. When you leave PTO on the table, you essentially give your employer an interest-free loan. Depending on your state’s laws, you might not even get paid for those unused days when you leave your job.
However, the actual cost is more complicated to quantify. It’s the missed memories with your family. The adventures you didn’t take. The chance to recharge and come back to work with a fresh perspective. That’s the stuff you can’t get back.
How to Break the Cycle
Okay, so we’ve established that hoarding PTO is a bad idea. But how do we start using it? Here are a few tips:
1. Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until December to realize you still have 10 days left. Block off your vacation time at the beginning of the year and treat it like any other necessary appointment.
2. Start Small: If taking a week off feels overwhelming, start with a long weekend. Even a short break can make a big difference.
3. Set Boundaries: When you’re on vacation, be on vacation. Turn off your work email, silence notifications, and resist the urge to check-in. Trust me, the world won’t end.
4. Lead by Example: If you’re in a leadership position, take your PTO—and encourage your team to do the same. Show them that it’s not only okay to take time off, it’s necessary.
Conclusion
Unused PTO isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a sign that we’re not prioritizing our well-being. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of leadership coaching, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
So, here’s your challenge: Look at your PTO balance right now. How many days do you have left? Pick one—just one—and schedule it. Go to the beach. Read a book. Take a nap. Whatever you do, make it count.
Because at the end of the day, life isn’t about how many days you work. It’s about how many days you truly live. And those vacation days? They’re your chance to make every day count.
Now, go book that trip. You’ve earned it.
Inspired by the data from Solitaired’s study on unused PTO. For more insights, check out the full article.
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