
Paid Time Off (PTO) is one of the most valuable benefits employers can grant to their employees. It provides the workforce with the ability to plan their private life well ahead and take a break to attend to personal matters without financial strain.
There are, however, good and not-so-good ways to use up one’s PTO days and we’re about to dive into this complex topic.
How PTO Accrual Works
First of all, employees need to understand how their PTO accrues. Some companies offer a set number of days each year, while others accrue hours throughout the year based on the amount of time an employee has worked.
Some businesses allow employees to carry over unused PTO, while others require them to be used within a certain period. Further out, some businesses offer a set number of PTO days for a year and reset the unused ones at the end of the year.
Therefore, employees should do their best to check with HR or use a PTO accrual calculator. These tools allow for seamless tracking of accrued hours and of how many have been used.
To Maximize PTO, Plan in Advance
There’s nothing wrong with going with the flow but planning ahead might be a better idea. Many employees wait until they’re feeling completely burnt out before they finally take some time off, but by this point, they typically need more than just a long weekend.
To make the most of one’s PTO, one should look ahead at their work schedule and personal life. E.g., an employee who knows they’re going to be busy during a specific time of year should book their PTO days ahead of time.
It’s best to avoid last-minute decisions as this can lead to potential conflicts with coworkers who may be planning their own time off ahead. Shortly put, planning with a purpose is crucial. Having a clear idea of one’s goals for the time off will help with using PTO days in a more orderly fashion.
Avoid Scheduling PTO Around Busy Periods
One of the most common mistakes employees make when planning PTO is choosing to take time off during busy periods at work. While it might seem tempting to take a vacation right before a big project is about to get launched, this approach can lead to frustration later on. It’s common for employees who adhere to this practice to get stuck checking emails, handling urgent matters, or even cutting their trip short because of work obligations.
To make the most of one’s PTO, taking time off when the workload is lighter is advisable. This may mean adjusting one’s vacation around known busy seasons at work. E.g., if the company experiences a slow period during the summer, employees could take advantage of that time to head out on a longer vacation.
Conversely, if there are several major deadlines coming up, it might be better to wait until those are completed before taking a break. Taking time off during hectic periods is not only stressful but also builds anxiety, which is, by definition, counterproductive to the purpose of PTO days.
Use PTO to Recharge
Many people reserve their PTO days exclusively for vacations, which is a common mistake. Namely, while travel is certainly one of the best ways to unwind, it’s not the only reason one should use their time off. Taking time away from work can help employees recharge both mentally and physically, even if they don’t leave their hometown.
E.g., using PTO to take a break from work and focus on self-care is always a good idea. There’s nothing wrong with taking a few days off to rest at home, spend time with family or friends, or catch up on personal matters.
Using PTO to focus on mental health, catch up on sleep, or just have some quiet time away from the office is just as important as taking an exotic vacation. Employees shouldn’t feel they need to leave the country or go on an extravagant trip to get the full benefit of their time off.
Use PTO to Break Up Long Stretches of Work
One of the best ways to avoid burnout is to break up long stretches of work with regular, smaller breaks. Taking a long period of time off once a year is great, but smaller, frequent breaks can be even more beneficial, especially in the case of employees who work in high-stress environments.
Not every leave needs to take a full week off every time; taking shorter breaks here and there can be just as effective in helping an employee maintain a healthy work-life balance. Using PTO to create regular moments of downtime throughout the year can help employees stay more focused when on the job.
Use PTO for Extended Weekends
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maximize PTO days is by creating extended weekends. While it may not seem like a big deal to take a single Friday or Monday off, this strategy can add up over time.
A well-timed long weekend can feel like a mini-vacation and provide the mental reset an employee needs without taking extended time off from work. Also, one may use PTO to bridge a holiday weekend or to create a series of long weekends over the course of several months.
E.g., if a holiday like Memorial Day or Labor Day falls on a Monday, it can be extended that weekend by taking the Friday before or the Tuesday after off.
Overall, making the most of PTO days is all about understanding the company’s policies and using the time off to recharge in a way that suits personal needs. Therefore, take the time to plan ahead, stay flexible, and make sure to get the full benefit of the valuable time away from work.