Press Pause: Why Taking PTO is the Reset You Deserve 🌴💙
How many times have you put off taking PTO because work felt "too busy"?
You tell yourself you’ll take a break once things calm down… but somehow, they never do. Your inbox keeps filling up, the meetings keep coming, and suddenly months have passed without a real day off. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. According to Pew Research Center, 46% of U.S. workers don’t use all of their PTO. 😲 That means nearly half of employees are leaving their hard-earned time off on the table. Why?
🔹 Work Guilt – You don’t want to leave your team short-staffed.
🔹 Fear of Falling Behind – The thought of catching up afterward feels overwhelming.
🔹 Unspoken Pressure – If leadership rarely takes PTO, it sets a tone that time off isn’t encouraged.
🔹 Job Insecurity – Some employees worry that taking PTO makes them look less dedicated.
But here’s what we need to remember: Taking time off isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
The Science of Rest: Why You NEED PTO 🧠
Avoiding time off might feel "responsible," but it actually hurts your performance, health, and happiness.
✅ Less Burnout, More Energy – Time away helps reset your mind and body.
✅ Better Productivity – Studies show people who take vacations perform better at work.
✅ Stronger Mental Health – A break reduces stress, anxiety, and even lowers health risks.
✅ More Creativity – Stepping away allows your brain to recharge, leading to better ideas and problem-solving.
✅ Happier & More Fulfilled – Employees who take PTO report higher job satisfaction and less turnover.
Leaders, This Starts With You 🚀
If you’re a leader or manager, your team is watching how you handle PTO. If they see you skipping breaks, checking emails on vacation, or working nonstop, they’ll feel pressured to do the same.
Want a healthier, more engaged team? Model the behavior you want to see.
✔️ Take your PTO—and encourage your team to do the same.
✔️ Make sure no one feels guilty for stepping away.
✔️ Respect boundaries—no work emails or calls while someone is off.
✔️ Help employees prepare so they don’t return to chaos.
The Bottom Line: Work Will Be There—Your Well-Being Comes First 💙
At the end of the day, no one wishes they spent more time in meetings. Taking PTO isn’t about "slacking off"—it’s about recharging so you can show up as your best self at work and in life.
So if you’ve been holding off on using your PTO… this is your sign. Take the break. You deserve it. 🌴💆♂️
Dr. Key