‘Holiday hoarding’ is a workplace crisis

During the summer, an ironic situation arises as offices become less crowded, yet leaders may find desks occupied and holiday requests absent from their inboxes. This indicates the emergence of a "holiday hoarding" crisis, where workers resist taking their full paid time off (PTO). Research by Breathe HR reveals that nearly half of U.K. workers and a similar proportion in the U.S. did not utilize their full PTO last year.

Moreover, a quarter of workers intend to take less vacation time this year compared to the previous year.

Several factors contribute to this trend, including a challenging job market fueling job insecurity and employees' concerns about being perceived as less committed. A fifth of workers feel their employer discourages PTO usage, while a third cite their workload as the reason for not taking a vacation. Furthermore, nearly half of workers experience guilt for potentially burdening colleagues when they are absent.

The blurring of lines between work and personal time due to technology exacerbates the issue. With over a third of holiday hoarders receiving messages from managers while on holiday, rest becomes increasingly challenging. Consequently, employees question the value of taking PTO altogether.

Leadership plays a crucial role in addressing this crisis. Leaders must model appropriate PTO-taking habits by disconnecting during their breaks and not responding to work-related communications. Organizations should also evaluate performance based on output rather than hours logged, as continuous work without rest can lead to burnout and diminished productivity. Simplifying the process of tracking and requesting PTO is essential to encourage more employees to utilize their paid time off.

By treating rest and PTO as a strategic priority, organizations can foster a healthier and more productive workforce. Prioritizing rest as a normal part of working life will ultimately benefit both employees and the organization as a whole.