When employees stockpile their paid-time-off hours, it can lead to a host of negative implications, including low employee morale, decreased productivity and a burden on the business at numerous levels. With more employees working longer hours and taking less time off due to the pandemic, the stage is set for even greater long-term negative effects on employees’ mental and physical health, as well as the success of a company.
Although it is difficult to plan trips and travel is limited right now, business leaders should encourage employees to use their PTO and recharge during these stressful times. It is not only good for employees but it’s good for the business.
Here are five tips for business leaders to help prevent employees amassing PTO and encourage time off.
Review PTO policies. The employee handbook should have a section that outlines the company’s PTO program and policies. Most companies require advance notice for taking time off, which helps groups and departments balance the workload. In addition, there is typically a maximum number of hours that can be carried over to the next year, which has an impact on the company’s financial situation. Employers should review and update their PTO policies for 2021 and consider implementing minimum levels of quarterly PTO usage, which will help to encourage employees to use their time off and distribute it more evenly throughout the year. Also, the more generous the program, the more likely employees are to use their hours. Planning for 2021 offers an opportunity for a thorough review of a company’s program.
Encourage time off. Leaders should encourage employees to take time off by stressing the importance of mental and physical health. Some workers may feel guilty using PTO during a pandemic. However, without taking time to disconnect and recharge, it can lead to low employee morale and decreased productivity that can snowball to co-workers and family members. Managers can ask team members to submit their desired days off for the remainder of the year in an effort to gently encourage usage, assess the number of carryover hours and effectively manage workloads to finish the year strong.
Set an example. Managers and supervisors who set an example by using their PTO not only have an opportunity to recharge but they also send a message to employees that it is OK to take time off. If comfortable, they should share their plans in advance with excitement no matter the activity, helping to ease any fears employees might have about using their PTO. In addition, when leaders use their PTO, it helps to demonstrate that there are no concerns about the health of an organization.
Distribute reminders. Companies should utilize all communication avenues to remind workers to use their PTO. For example, distributing an all-employee or departmental email that reminds employees to check their number of remaining PTO hours and plan to use them accordingly; posting relevant information on the intranet weekly; and conducting brief discussions on the matter during group and company meetings demonstrate leadership’s concern for the health and welfare of their employees.
Be creative. Developing creative ways to encourage employees to take time off can have a positive impact and help to prevent stockpiling. For instance, organizing a contest in which employees share how they used their time off; encouraging employees to vote on the most unique entries; and rewarding the top three with gift cards.
Employers that take care of their people by providing a generous PTO program and encouraging them to use their time off will have a happier and more productive workforce, leading to increased business success.
Eric Cormier is a manager of human resource services in Rhode Island for Texas-based Insperity Inc., which provides human resources and administrative services.
