05/13/2025

The Challenges Endless PTO May Create

Some experts says endless time off is hurting, not helping, employees

Unlimited paid-time-off (PTO) policies were all the rage for a while; now they are starting to lose their allure. In this article, experts weigh in on why companies are shifting away from this once-popular benefit, what alternative solutions look like and why other options can be more effective.

Failing to Deliver

Unlimited paid time off policies are losing popularity because, in practice, they often fail to deliver the flexibility and wellness benefits they promise. While they sound progressive, the reality is that many employees end up taking less time off under these policies. Without a clear benchmark for what's considered "normal" or acceptable, employees often hesitate to use their time, fearing it might reflect poorly on their work ethic or commitment. This lack of clarity creates anxiety and inadvertently fuels a culture of overwork—exactly what unlimited PTO is meant to prevent.

Another challenge is inconsistency. Some employees may feel empowered to take extended time off, while others are quietly discouraged, leading to inequities and resentment. In industries where consistent staffing is critical, the lack of structure makes planning difficult; in some cases, managers may even override requests, further undermining the policy's intent. Additionally, unlimited PTO cannot always be applied equally across salaried and hourly workers, potentially triggering claims of unfairness or noncompliance with local labor laws.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Fast Company.