Enhancing Productivity Through PTO Strategies

Employers who encourage their employees to take advantage of the paid time off opportunities available to them often see increased productivity among their employees. Paid time off is often viewed as one of the most valuable benefits to an employee when evaluating a job, and yet it is often one of the most underutilized benefits. When employers encourage employees to use their paid time off, they can expect them to return refreshed and more productive.

In a recent Deloitte survey, 77% of respondents said they have experienced burnout in their current position. Burnout can encompass a wide spectrum of engagement, ranging from increased work hours to a loss of interest in daily tasks to a reduced commitment to company culture. The survey also found that burnout is not gender or generation specific, but is widespread across all demographics and seniority levels within an organization.

Let's look at some of the potential benefits an employer may find by encouraging employees to use their paid time off.

1. Reducing Stress and Improving Mental Health - Taking paid time off can greatly benefit an employee's ability to reduce stress and disengage from the workplace. When an employee's overall job satisfaction increases, they are often more engaged and innovative in their work.
2. Increased employee engagement - When a company has employees who are engaged in the workplace, the results are often directly linked to productivity and a new sense of collaboration across teams and departments.
3. Work-life balance - The pandemic has caused employees' work-life balance to become more important again. Ensuring your employees are using their PTO to maintain this balance can help improve this rating in your company. This is a great way to show your employees that you value the time they spend with their families outside of work.
4. Improved problem solving - Taking time off from work in a creative environment can help an employee return to work with a new perspective and more innovative thought processes. Encouraging employees to take a creative sabbatical as part of their PTO can be a great way to demonstrate a company's commitment to innovation.
5. Burnout prevention - The consequences of burnout among employees are far-reaching. From job dissatisfaction and lack of employee engagement to lower productivity, burnout can have a significant negative impact on a company.
6. Increased talent attraction and retention - Offering competitive paid time off packages is a way for employers to not only attract top talent, but also retain the talent they do have. If employees are satisfied with this employer benefit, they are less likely to search for better offers in the market.
7. Better employee health and well-being - Employees who take regular paid leave are less prone to chronic illness. A healthy workforce leads to a more productive workforce.

Ensuring PTO use is included in your company's wellness program communication plans will promote the value the company places on employee well-being. Now is a good time to review and update your company's paid time off policies and evaluate whether they are being used as a tool to attract and retain your best talent. Contact your local IceHrm office to explore communication strategies that encourage PTO use and responsible planning.

Embrace PTO culture for happier, more engaged teams. IceHrm can help optimize your PTO policies and foster a healthy workplace.