Millennials and boomers have totally opposite PTO attitudes. One feels guilty while the other enjoys it freely
Paid time off is a major benefit offered by companies and can play a significant role in improving an employee's work-life balance. However, not everyone feels the same about taking paid leave. A new survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of the iced tea brand Halfday showed that an individual's perspective on paid vacation time is greatly impacted by the generation they belong to, per Newsweek. Millennials are the most likely to feel guilty about taking paid time off. The poll had 3,767 US respondents, and out of that, 58 percent of millennial participants admitted they felt guilty about taking paid time off.
Boomers don't have the same feelings as millennials, as 40 percent of boomer respondents felt guilt while taking paid time off. The survey was focused on time taken for rest, self-care and vacations and excluded time off for doctor's appointments and sick leave. Respondents were asked to choose if they felt "very guilty, somewhat guilty, a little bit guilty, or not guilty at all," while taking paid time off. Millennials felt the most guilty for taking time off for personal care, while 55 percent of Gen Z felt somewhat guilty. 48 percent of Gen X respondents also felt guilty about taking time off. The younger generations might feel worse about putting themselves first, even though they are known for pushing for mental health days.
"Millennials feel guilty about taking PTO because they entered the workforce in a unique time, when technology really started to boom and there is this expectation of always being available," Mike Lombardo, Co-Founder of Halfday, said. "Even with automated out-of-office messages turned on, you still get notifications on your phone as emails and requests are coming in. In the US, the work-life balance is always tipped on the work side, compared to most other countries and there is also this dread that when they come back, they are going to have to play a ton of catch-up." However, the "always on" culture is only a part of the problem.
"We've also seen a rise in 'hustle culture' content across all social media platforms, which basically tells you that constant work equals success. People have been taught over time that as the narrative has gained momentum, taking breaks or vacation can show a lack of ambition or drive," Lombardo explained. He pointed out that many people are not thinking about how important breaks are to reset themselves and avoid burnout. Similarly, a 37-year-old millennial, u/Vampiregecko, asked people on Reddit if they ever felt guilty about taking paid time off. "I use them when I want, with the way things are going. I’m going to use them. Sadly, I’ve used 4 of my 7 for the year. I’m just exhausted with the world," they wrote.
Many people shared their thoughts in the comments section. u/saffytaffy wrote, "I didn't because I felt guilty, and now I'm too sick to work. Waiting on a diagnosis for what is probably a really bad ulcer on top of some other digestive issues, worsened by stress. Don't be me. Take your days off. My god. No one will thank you for setting a record." Another millennial, u/painfullyloyal answered, "I currently have over 400 hours accrued and I think that answers your question." u/don51181 remarked, "No. The overall company does not care. Take any paid time off (PTO) or sick days allowed."