We have all heard about how important it is to have a “work-life balance”. Maintaining your work-life balance is very closely tied to the utilization of your employer provided paid time off (PTO).
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First things first, you need to understand you company’s PTO policy. Some companies may utilize a general PTO “bucket”, where you have a certain number of days available to utilize as you desire; these days can be used for vacation days or sick days. Other companies may have separate pools: one for vacation days, one for sick days, and one for personal days.
Effectively and strategically using your paid time off benefits can allow you to maintain a healthy work-life balance and lead to a more fulfilling life.
The connection between PTO and work-life balance
According to Forbes, the average American worker gets 11 days of paid vacation per year. Shockingly, more than half of Americans are not using all of their vacation days. Could this be one of the reasons why job unhappiness is at an all time high? We think so.
5 reasons why taking vacation days can make you happier
Strategically planned PTO can lead to increased job satisfaction and overall well-being. Incorporating regular PTO days into your yearly routine is essential for maintaining a positive work environment, reducing stress, and promoting happiness, which ultimately benefits both you and your employer. Here are 5 reasons taking vacation days can make you happier:
Quality Time with Loved Ones:
Possibly the most important reason to utilize all of your PTO is that this time off from work allows you to spend quality time with family and friends. Taking this time away from the office will strengthen your personal relationships and provide you emotional support for your everyday struggles. Traveling during your PTO will create lasting memories and experiences with your loved ones that can bring joy and happiness long after the trip is over.
Reduced Burnout:
In this fast passed, corporately driven office culture, employees tend to work away with little time to look up from laptops, let alone not be in office for a couple of days. Regular days off help prevent burnout by giving you the opportunity to recharge and return to work with renewed energy and focus.
Improved Productivity:
Taking time off will allow you to rest and reset. This will lead to increased productivity and improvement when you return to the office. You will be ready to get back to the grind with enhanced drive and creativity.
Stress Reduction and Improved Health:
Taking regular time off will reduce your stress levels. Stress level reduction will promote better mental and physical health which will also make you more resilient in handling work-related challenges when you return to the office. Lower stress level from regular time off will allow you to focus on whatever self-care you need, whether that be from travel, exercise, adventure or relaxation, this will lead to better physical and mental health.
Increased Job Satisfaction:
It might sound contrary, but getting away from your job for a bit may even make you appreciate it more. Knowing that you have the freedom to take time off when needed can increase your overall job satisfaction and loyalty to your employer.
Strategic PTO planning
Make sure you are reflecting on your personal and professional priorities when you are strategically planning your paid time off from work. When you set your PTO goals for the year, make sure you carve out time for relaxation, personal growth, travel, family time, community involvement…whatever floats your boat.
Look at your work calendar and figure out when you are busy throughout the year (or more busy if you are busy all of the time). If possible, try to avoid that time for your vacation days. It is hard to relax and truly enjoy your time off from work if you are stressed about leaving the office.
You also have to be strategic if you want to travel over the holidays. Want to take your family to the beach for thanksgiving? Then you need to book in advance as holidays can be pricier if you wait until last minute.
Make sure you check out our Strategic PTO Planning Guide for more in depth look.
Balancing workload before and after your vacation
Just because you are taking time off, doesn’t mean that you can completely ignore your responsibilities at the office. As we noted previously, make sure you are taking time off when it is appropriate for your career. You can relax much easier (and leave your laptop at home) if you are taking time off when you are not leaving “balls in the air” at the office.
In addition, make sure you coordinate responsibilities amongst your coworkers with what they may need to cover while you’re out of the office. Something at your office could always go wrong, so make sure you have the adequate backup in place.
Make sure you have clear boundaries in place before leave for vacation (or take any time off really). If you are leaving town during a busy time at work, it may be a good idea to bring your laptop along for the ride in case of emergency. If you feel you have solid backup at the office, then LEAVE YOUR LAPTOP AT HOME! Since most things can be taken care of from a phone these days, a good rule of thumb is to note for your office to only contact you in an emergency.
No matter what, make sure you request your time off the appropriate way per your company standards. Each company is different so make sure you understand the office policy.
Just remember, never feel guilty for utilizing your PTO. It is a part of your annual salary!
Mindful PTO usage
Remember to never take your PTO for granted as you are luckily enough to have a job that provides you with paid vacation days. This is not something that everyone in the world is provided.
One of the reasons your company provides this time as part of your annual salary is so you have a chance to recharge and avoid work burnout. While you can use this time for anything under the sun, we encourage you to utilize your PTO for traveling. This will allow you to unplug as well as having incredible new experiences.
5 negative effects of not taking time away from work
Not taking vacation days can have several negative effects on both your physical and mental health, as well as your overall work performance. Here are some of the negative consequences of not using your vacation days:
- Increased Stress Levels: Working nonstop without breaks can lead to chronic stress. Long term stress can have severe consequences on your health, including elevated blood pressure, heart problems, and a weakened immune system.
- Burnout: The lack of breaks without taking time off work can lead to burnout. This is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and feelings of helplessness. This burnout can take an even more extreme turn and lead to anxiety and depression.
- Strained Relationships: A poor work-life balance can strain personal relationships. Working nonstop can lead to your loved ones may feel neglected or unimportant. Utilizing your vacation days to spend quality time with family and friends is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.
- Decreased Job Satisfaction: Not taking time to unplug from your career can negatively impact your job satisfaction and your overall attitude toward work. This can lead to a lack of motivation, disengagement, and decreased loyalty to your employer which in turn can lead to poor job performance.
- Missed Opportunities: Vacation days provide opportunities for travel, family time, personal growth, learning, and exploration. Not taking time off can result in missed opportunities to experience adventures, expand horizons, and improve your life.
Work-life balance conclusion
This fast passed, corporately driven world will wear you down. Utilizing your paid time off (even if its not to travel) will lead to better work-life balance. Not taking vacation days can have a extreme negative impact on your relationships, health, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Taking your time off from work will help you avoid burnout. Do the best thing for yourself and use your vacation days to maintain a healthy work-life balance and well-being.
Pin this! Don’t forget to share this article with your friends who need to take some time away from the office.
Pantea says
Thank you so much for writing such an important post on taking PTO. I work at a hospital and several of my colleagues have over 400+ hours of PTO that they don’t use. The main reason is that there’s inadequate staffing and it’s hard to get PTO approved. I wish we had better systems in place since I agree with you about the value of taking time off and the importance of rest/relaxation.
Komal Singh says
I have made a point to always use my PTO and I don’t even check work emails, etc while on PTO. I agree that it helps with burnout thus, that’s the way I keep my work-life balance.
Kelly says
What an insightful read on the importance of taking PTO! I agree with your outlook on the value of investing in taking time for relaxation. I personally struggle with burnout sometimes and taking time off for vacation days it’s such a great way to reset. Thanks for sharing this!
Kali Todd says
I had banked a lot of hours throughout the past few years of COVID. Was going to max out my PTO at 400 hours so I requested a month off and it was approved no problem! It was such a nice reset to get away from work and the mundane tasks. Taking PTO is so important!
Emma says
This is so important! I will never understand those who don’t want to take advantage of their leave. Knowing I have an upcoming holiday to look forward to keeps me motivated to keep working!
Jenn says
What a fun post! So needed in a society where work is your identity. Thanks for your incredible insight on the topic.
Rebekah says
This is such a well-thought post! I love the reasons you give on why we should be using our earned PTO and agree 100% with you!!
Maria says
Great article 👏
Jennifer Record says
Important post..so many benefits for putting your well being and health first and that’s what PTO is for! thanks for the reminder to get out and explore!
Cosette says
Taking your PTO is indeed so important, you need to step away from your work every now and then. You’ll be better at it once you return.
Marga says
As a European I’m shocked to see an average of 11 days PTO. And not taking it? It’s so important to recharge and take time off! I hope every employer knows that and let you take well deserved time off! And triple the days of PTO too!
Salem says
Great reminders – balancing work before/after vacation tips were great for me!
Christina Four says
I agree, the work/life balance is so important. Burn out is real and people need to put their well being first!
Macie Joy says
We tend to forget and use PTO. Thank you for the reminder.