Workers hoarding paid time off, leading to "holiday hoarding" crisis

A growing number of workers are choosing not to use their full paid time off (PTO) entitlements, contributing to a "holiday hoarding" crisis. New data from Breathe HR indicates that approximately half of UK workers did not take their full PTO last year, with similar figures reported in the US by Pew.

The trend is worsening, with one in four workers planning to take less vacation time this year compared to last. This can be attributed to factors such as job insecurity fueled by a tough labor market, leading employees to fear that taking time off might be perceived negatively by management. One in five workers admit to worrying about redundancies and how taking leave could impact their managers' perception.

Cultural and structural issues within organizations also play a role. A fifth of workers state their employer does not encourage PTO usage. A third cite workload as a barrier, and nearly half feel guilty about colleagues having to cover their responsibilities. Unsustainable workloads and a perception of rest as an indulgence, rather than a necessity, prevent employees from taking deserved breaks.

Technology has further blurred the lines between work and personal time. Over a third of "holiday hoarders" report being contacted by managers while on leave, diminishing the restorative benefit of time off. This leads employees to question the value of taking PTO at all.

The "holiday hoarding" crisis poses a significant challenge to both productivity and employee well-being. Research shows nearly half of those hoarding leave experience burnout by year-end. Companies must prioritize rest and PTO as a strategic necessity to foster a thriving workforce and organization.