Why 17.5% of Workers Fear Taking PTO Could Lead to Layoffs
As layoff fears grip American workers, many hesitate to use their PTO, worrying it could harm their careers. But skipping vacation might actually hurt performance.
Are workers sabotaging their own performance by skipping vacation days? Recent data suggests that a significant portion of American employees fear taking their paid time off (PTO) might put them at risk of layoffs or hinder their performance reviews. Yet, while this anxiety stews, the real risk might be in not taking those key days off.
The Numbers Behind PTO Anxiety
In a recent survey by Careerminds, 17.5% of American workers expressed concern that using PTO could make them more vulnerable to layoffs, while an equal percentage thought it could negatively impact their performance reviews or promotion opportunities. This reflects a broader sentiment of job insecurity, particularly among younger and hybrid workers.
Interestingly, while 43% of remote workers and 30% of in-office workers regularly take their allotted time off, less than 20% of hybrid workers do the same. This discrepancy highlights a unique pressure felt by those who split their time between home and office, perhaps fearing that their hybrid status already tags them as less committed. Moreover, younger employees, particularly Gen Z, are notably more hesitant, with over 25% avoiding PTO compared to just 2.4% of baby boomers.
Why This Matters
The fear of job loss in a post-pandemic world is palpable. As companies recalibrate their workforce needs amidst economic uncertainty, workers are increasingly protective of their job security. Yet, there's a historical irony here. Skipping PTO, while seemingly pragmatic in the short term, could lead to burnout and decreased productivity in the long run. A 2025 study by the American Psychological Association found that vacation significantly boosts employee well-being and performance for an average of 43 days after returning to work.
In the crypto industry, where market volatility and fast-paced developments are constants, the mental recharge that comes from taking time off could be even more key. Staying sharp and resilient is vital in a field where new opportunities and threats emerge rapidly. So, could avoiding PTO actually undermine professional growth and market engagement?
Insights from Inside
Amanda Augustine, a career coach at Careerminds, acknowledges the pragmatic approach of workers avoiding PTO but calls it a “sad” reflection of the current job market's instability. According to two people familiar with these dynamics, the calculus for many workers is simple: stay on the radar, appear indispensable, and hope to dodge any looming layoff threats.
Yet, experts like Augustine warn that pushing oneself too hard might backfire. It's not just about staying employed. it's about staying effective. Ryan Grant, an assistant professor of psychological and organizational science, emphasizes that foregoing vacation can exacerbate stress and potentially snowball into severe mental health issues, reducing overall performance.
What’s Next?
The question now is whether employers can shift the narrative around PTO. Leadership plays a critical role in either reinforcing or dismantling the stigma against taking time off. When managers model healthy behavior by using their own PTO and encouraging others to do the same, it sends a clear signal that well-being is valued.
For the crypto sector, which thrives on innovation and adaptability, fostering a supportive environment where employees feel secure enough to recharge could lead to greater ingenuity and sustained engagement. As more companies navigate this challenging world, it might not just be a matter of policy, but a strategic advantage to advocate for the use of PTO.
The bill still faces headwinds in committee, but it's worth considering if the hidden cost of avoiding PTO is too high a price for both the individual and the industry to pay.
