“Unlimited PTO is a Scam” - Sincerely, Your Workers

Unlimited paid time off (PTO) policies have been touted as a game-changer for employee benefits, offering workers the freedom and flexibility to decide how much time they spend away from the office. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly generous policy lies a controversial reality that has left many employees feeling shortchanged and overworked.

The main issue with unlimited PTO is that it often leads to employees taking less time off than they would under a traditional limited PTO plan. Without a specified number of days that workers "must" take off, some may feel guilty or unsure about how much time off is acceptable, particularly in busy or understaffed teams. This can result in burnout and lower productivity over the long term as employees opt out of recharging.

Furthermore, the fairness of unlimited PTO policies has come under scrutiny, as their application often depends on the discretion of managers and team dynamics. Employees with weak managers or understaffed teams may not be able to take similar PTO to those with strong managers and fully staffed teams. Some experts argue that unlimited PTO is inherently unfair, with leaders refusing to establish a clear and equitable program, instead pushing the responsibility onto others. As an alternative, "minimum time off" policies, which require employees to take a specified amount of time off each year, have been suggested as a better approach to reduce uncertainty and ensure that all workers take the rest they need.