What do you guys think about it? Pros and Cons? Gotchas?
Sounds too good to be true.
16 replies (most recent on top)
The approval process and business need factor highlights an interesting point. Let's assume that business need argues against allowing someone from taking a lot of PTO. Many folks point out that mid-level managers take a TON of PTO. That tells me that those mid-level managers aren't adding much value to the business. Not that this is news; I just find it interesting that the two facts correlate so strongly.
@17q that original comment didn't say they were denied a request though, it reads they haven't taken any. To me that reads as you making the choice to not request time off. That's a you problem
“Unlimited” is defined by what a manager thinks is reasonable in their head. You have to be a mind reader to know for sure, which is the point. It puts the power back in the manager hands. If you have a set number of days then none of the psyops work. Now they know you will take less while looking like a top 100 employer. PTO used to be your money, could cash it in at the end of the year.
@14k you understand that while unlimited, you still have to get it approved right? Business need sorry not right now, - not for thee just for me.
Unlimited PTO below the director level is a set up
@he but why not take the time? As someone who likely will never have it as option I understand unlimited pto has drawbacks but you're making yourself a martyr
@14e some people are out on a "short medical" leave and don't have to do STD they use their unlimited PTO. You can probably guess what level that applies to - not line staff. This place is full of double standards. Can't wait to get out
Do people with unlimited pto get full pay if they are out on medical leave?
@hk They do in certain states due to state law.
@a1 they do not pay out any unused PTO regardless of the reason you left now anyway
@he as a previous poster said - only Directors can take literally constant PTO and never be questioned. Anyone under that level will be strongly questioned about their PTO use when things don't go well, regardless if it is "their fault" or not. Wake up it will be used against you and you will never get "guidance" on what is the appropriate amount. Use your head and see how much your boss takes every month. It is outrageous. Try to do the same and see what happens. I know this first hand
I am on an unlimited PTO plan. I certainly take less than I have at any point in my career. I haven't had a day off all year to date. Leaders talk sh-t about people who take 'too much' but there is literally no guidance on what would be a reasonable amount of unlimited.
Google some of the studies being done on unlimited PTO. IT is a sham and more people take far less PTO when its unlimited because they are fearful of being seen as abusing the system. Unlimited PTO IS NOT what people think it is...
I don’t understand how/why people take less PTO when it’s unlimited. I’m taking full advantage of the unlimited PTO since I don’t know how long it will last (due to being RIFd or a change in policy). Honestly, it’s now easier for me to take PTO than it is to come in an hour or two late or to leave early for something. And why only take a 1/2 day PTO when I have unlimited. Might as well take the whole day off.
@a2 I disagree that it promotes trust and autonomy - that is hard no at this company. I have been told multiple times upper leadership does not trust the line staff, they are considered liars and lazy. Sad but a true statement. As far as autonomy you can't have that when you are meant to be obedient
@a1 nails it...
I'd add:
Pros
Better options
Promotes trust and autonomy
Cons
Implicit pressure to take less
Uneven usage across employees
It's good for the company, less so for the individual. Elevance won't have to pay out unused PTO if you leave or are RIF'd, and research shows that most people take less PTO when it's unlimited.