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We have fixed PTO but it’s a generous amount. I’m always using up my days before they expire at the beginning of the year. I think if it was unlimited, I would take less days off because I wouldn’t have that need to use them or lose them. Regardless, either way I’d have to plan coverage for my area while I was out so no spontaneous two-week European vacations.
Pro
That's a good way to look at it actually. Having a set amount definitely creates that push to actually take time off before it expires. With unlimited PTO, it feels like the urgency disappears, so sometimes people end up taking less.
We've got a fixed policy. I prefer it. I've hard the same mixed reviews about unlimited PTO. It seems that a lot of companies use it as a way to make it harder for employees to take time off and to avoid paying out any unused days.
Pro
Yeah, that’s one of my concerns too. We’re switching to unlimited PTO and I’m wondering how it actually plays out in real life.
I’ve also heard the same that people are less likely to use as many days and find it harder to request time off. One person said it felt more like they had none and were requesting extra each time
Pro
I heard the same thing that it’s like the unlimited PTO can feel more like “no PTO” if you’re constantly having to justify taking time off...
Bowl Leader
I did work for a company like this in the past. I didn’t have a problem using it but always wondered what the “acceptable” or typical amount was for the company. Like is it ok to plan for a goal of 30 days off a year (including holidays, sick and vacation).
I didn’t have a co-worker at that location that had a harder time using it because of her manager.
I think going to a flex/unlimited needs to have clear expectations on how to use it. What the company used to have as a baseline, typical range) or something. Otherwise you can see why folks don’t use all their benefit.
Pro
You’re spot on about the need for clear guidelines. Without a baseline or some kind of “normal” expectation, it’s easy for people to second-guess themselves and hold back on taking time off, even when the policy is generous. We haven't received any guideline yet but I will be sure to look out for it.
Conversation Starter
I have a fixed vacation policy but know several people with flex. They’ve always told me it’s great because as long as you get your work done, they get to take off as much time as they want. I don’t think it’d work for me because I constantly have things on my plate and would never feel like I could take off.
Pro
That makes a lot of sense! Flex PTO sounds amazing in theory, but I can see how the workload and pressure might make it tough to actually take advantage of it.