Do you answer or just respond when you get back? I feel like I’m being pressured because they have sent two emails knowing I am on pto this week. Why do people do this? I have my ooo message on and my calendar blocked for a reason.
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I NEVER check emails when I'm OOO. That's MY time.
@OP
Were you told you needed to respond on PTO, I'm sure the answer is no. Work is still occurring even when you are out, just answer when you return. I'm perplexed why this is even a question or topic.
Receiving an email on PTO does not mean you need to reply. It is there for when you return. The department still has to run even when people are off which often results in emails being received
@cn when O worked there a couple of yrs ago I was expected to put work apps on my personal phone and nobody brought up a company paid phone - as other jobs do provide up front
I asked to be reimbursed and only the was a policy produced that says they will pay $75/month ( required also by labor law)
This is how they save money and normalize workers providing their own tech which saves them a lot of $ By omitting information.
I find it funny when the uppers get to be excused for emergencies and poof disappear for how ever long they need but it is not acceptable for you to do it. Totally hypocritical and god forbid you disturb them on their precious time off. Their lap dogs are always second in command and feel powerful, just hysterical and unreal
@dd fu-k yourself.
@dq Uh no i have literally never responded during my pto. But ok
Your Outlook OOO Agent should make it clear when whether you will be checking email or completely incommunicado.
That said, it's a wonderful environment we have these days: most of us have home offices and are potentially available 24/7. Yet those of us who are impacted by the RTO are expected to also drive to the office, even if no clients or colleagues are there to meet with.
That is because you established a precedent. Be strong and change your PTO message I will answer any emails on my return 9n January xx 2026.
Just sending an email doesn't mean they are expecting a response. Shame on you for checking your email during PTO.
@OP don’t answer. I don’t answer my boss while on PTO. I also don’t answer their texts and phone calls to my personal phone unless I know it is actually super critical (spoiler, it never is).
Chat GBT your labor law some law states if they reach out they need to pay you for the day (something to that effect)
@cv Then you must not have upper leadership like I do has put into an email and attached PTO policy that salaried or not you must take a half day at 4 hours gone for the day.
They just knocked your total comp down 1%. Doesn’t that communicate to you that you should give extra back to them? I don’t think so
Also, why the heck do you have work apps on your phone? (Unless this is a. Company paid phone)
@OP
I have this personal policy. If I am in a salaried position, anytime worked especially if it's during an approved PTO day, is considered a work day. I DO NOT EVER take partial PTO for Dr. Appts, etc. They don't compensate me for one single second of overtime, which of course include uncounted holidays, etc. I don't care what they consider company 'core hours'. I have core hours as well and can't go a single week without the company encroaching(uncompensated) on MY core hours. It's up to you if you want to answer the phone during your PTO, but I would consider that time worked and not log any PTO for that day.
You do what you want to do. It’s your decision, not a group think discussion.
I ignore them. PTO is paid time off, right? It’s not time off if you’re working.
Also, if your manager is so helpless they can’t figure out how to cope while you’re out, that’s their problem. Not yours.
It is my personal phone. Until the company starts reimbursing me again for a phone, no work apps are on it. Especially with their vulnerabilities.
@ac Fair Labor Standards Act. Brush up junior.
It depends on the manger. If the manager has my back day-to-day, I may answer if I'm not actually busy on my PTO. If the manager doesn't have my back, and is a thorn in my side most days, I won't answer.
Luckily, the manager I have right now is the former scenario, so I'd probably answer for him.
I left my last role because the boss and her yes mam were insane about this. They would fire orders and requests at all hours because they had zero lives. It’s unbelievable they are able to get away with trying to force people to work 14 hour days
@ad On phone it pops up.
Why check work email while on PTO?
@ab lol that's the retail or union mentality. We are all salaried. Whatever makes you feel happy.
Take a Labor Law class and stop trying to figure it out in a bad website. Workers have rights - learn them
@a5 I might add she was on PTO with kids in a national park but still took time.
If it takes work and research then respond saying you don't have access to pc or leaving in travel. If something simple go ahead and reply.
I had an urgent issue work related and my sr. Director took time to discuss and resolve even working on pc for an hour and I really appreciated that.
Just respond when you get back. If the tables were turned and your manager was on PTO, they likely wouldn't respond to you if you emailed them (assuming you would even message them while they're on PTO anyway). Don't worry about it, OP. Happy holidays!