American workers anxious about taking paid time off: LiveCareer survey
GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — A new LiveCareer survey finds that nearly six in ten U.S. workers feel uneasy taking paid time off (PTO), even as summer vacation season arrives.
The nationwide May 7, 2025 survey of 1,003 currently employed adults reveals that unhealthy workplace norms, excessive workloads, and subtle management signals continue to hold people back from using their earned leave.
Anxiety, guilt, and workload keep employees at their desks
While 45% of employees receive more than two weeks of PTO each year, 59% admit to experiencing “PTO anxiety” or guilt about taking time away from work.
Top concerns include fear that “work will pile up while I’m gone” (19%), missing out on key opportunities (19%), being perceived as less committed (12%), or even risking their job if they step away (8%).
Workplace culture often contradicts official policy
Despite the majority of employers claiming to support vacation, the day-to-day reality presents a different picture. One in three workers (33%) feel implicit pressure not to use all their PTO, while nearly one in ten report their workplace actively discourages it.
Only about half (51%) of employees say they feel able to disconnect completely while on vacation; the rest expect to check in or work during their time off.
- 49% say workloads make it unrealistic to take vacation
- 42% feel pressure not to fully use their PTO
- 20% are less likely to take time off if leadership rarely does
The vacation gap: What workers receive vs. use
Despite generous PTO plans—20% receive over 21 days per year, and 9% have unlimited leave—more than half of U.S. workers say they plan to take less than a week off this summer. Just 21% expect to take more than one week away. This gap highlights a deep disconnect between company policies and the realities of American work culture.
“It’s great to see that so many professionals have PTO plans that allow for adequate time away from the office, but these vacation benefits become a hollow perk if people don’t feel comfortable cashing in their time off,” Toni Frana, career expert at LiveCareer, said in an email.
“Poor workplace culture and a lack of support are the main culprits. Employers need to empower their employees to set aside time to relax and recharge.”
What would make PTO possible?
Employees overwhelmingly want more than a PTO policy; they need systems and support that make time off achievable:
- 51% say better financial stability would increase confidence to take PTO
- 25% want more backup and coverage at work
- 18% say supportive managers and mental health days would help
- 12% need less fear of layoffs to feel secure stepping away
Without those supports, employees report feeling trapped by a cycle of workload, guilt, and subtle pressure that keeps them on the job, no matter how much PTO they’ve earned.
