What went wrong with PTO?

In the U.S., Paid Time Off (PTO) has become a bit of a controversial topic. I want to share what I think PTO should be, in contrast to its quickly becoming. 

Fascinatingly enough, the idea of paid time off in the U.S. started in 1910,

"President William Howard Taft proposed in 1910 that every American worker needed two to three months of vacation a year "in order to continue his work next year with the energy and effectiveness that it ought to have." However, U.S. legislators didn't agree."

You can see here the purpose of what PTO was meant to be. The article says how Germany and Sweden had already moved forward on such legislature, and then you can also see how it continued to morph into what we have now if it so interests you. 

In the beginning, PTO was really to allow rest and recovery for the future work of the person. While this had roots to benefit both the employee and the company, it seems it wasn't seen that way. How could getting paid for 2-3 months of not working be beneficial? that is money out the door; capitalism at its best! 

I, personally, still believe in the root of PTO for this reason. Taking care of yourself and enjoying your life pays off in the office. I know this. 

Let's talk about the controversy I mentioned at the beginning about PTO. The average PTO days for starting at a new company is ten days, so two weeks. To put that into perspective, two weeks off sounds great, but then you have nothing else left - or if you try and take a day off a month, you cannot even do that for the entire year. 

Beyond how much PTO you receive, there is also the perception around using PTO days. And the perception is that taking days off shows weakness. If you are taking time off, there should be a good reason. 

Earlier in my career, I needed a why. For example, I took two weeks off to go to Hong Kong and China on vacation. I remember distinctly asking for the time and feeling like I was "wrong" for wanting to use the days, let alone two straight weeks. But, I had a reason (I'm booking expensive flights, as far away as possible, so I can't physically be here), which forced me to get brave and ask. 

Some companies have started to offer "unlimited PTO" to combat that downfall, but have you thought about how this can work? Well, in some studies, people with unlimited PTO options end up taking less time off. So, what is going on here?

Well, it's all about how our society works. Right now, overworking (long hours as well as not taking PTO) is seen as a badge of honor. Who can be the "best" at overworking? That is winning in our society. 

And this is where burnout comes in. Burning the candle at both ends and not resting, there is only one outcome if the individual doesn't make changes. 

Here is my proposition

Let's start using our PTO days. 

But, there is a little asterisk with that. Let's not use them when we hit a wall in emergency mode, meaning don't use it to call out sick (you get those days too) to binge Netflix for a day, so you are rested to go back to overworking (hint: it isn't going to work). 

Let's instead start planning our PTO. Even if that means a staycation, and you aren't going anywhere, plan for the "you time" ahead of time. 

Not only does this give you something to look forward to, which is seriously endorphin building, but it also lets you build in real rest and relaxation. 

Your time away from work shouldn't be in emergency mode; it defeats the purpose. 

Some people have difficulty swallowing that (ugh, taking care of myself, no thanks). So here is another motivation, remember what President Taft thought, PTO would help workers "continue his{or her} work next year with the energy and effectiveness that it ought to have." Using your PTO will make you more effective at your job. It will give you move energy to show up as the person you truly are in (and out) of the office. 

This is my ode to PTO, and please let's take the controversy out of taking your PTO.