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NEW YORK — How much paid time off (PTO) do you get at your job? Moreover, are you using it all? A new survey finds many workers leave plenty of vacation days unused each year — even though they could use a break more often than they want to admit!
According to new research, the average American says they need a proper vacation every 110 days. That’s about once every 15.8 weeks or three vacations a year. The findings, which emerged from a survey of 2,000 Americans, also mean workers will likely need their first vacation of 2025 by April 20.
The survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Apple Vacations also found that 56% of respondents were currently employed, with 53% of those saying they currently have a PTO policy with a set number of days off per year.
While the need for a full switch-off is clear, the poll found that only 18% of workers with access to PTO always use their full allotment. In fact, just 20% said they used all their PTO last year, and the average respondent with PTO said they had over five PTO days left over (5.4) that they didn’t use or were able to roll over.
It’s no wonder that many have hit their limit this year. Regardless of their employment status, 79% of respondents said they have felt particularly burnt out. When asked what factors have contributed to their burnout, financial struggles (40%), tiredness (37%), and mental health issues (34%) were at the top of the list.
“Taking paid time off is more than taking a break from work,” says Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing of consumer brands at Apple Vacations, in a statement. “It’s easy to let our PTO fill with errands and keep up with hectic lives, but it’s vital to make time for ourselves and ensure things don’t build up in the long run.”
The survey revealed that workers with PTO used less than 40% of their time off specifically for rest and relaxation (39.1%).
So, how do respondents know they’re feeling burnt out? According to the poll, they are more likely to make mistakes at work (41%), rely on caffeine too much at work (36%), and are more likely to be grumpy with their co-workers (29%).
When asked if respondents would be willing to buy more PTO if it was an option, 66% said they would. Of those who wish they could buy more paid time off, the average amount respondents were willing to spend on one day was $187.
“Giving your mind, body, and soul time off is invaluable,” says Michael Lowery, head of global consumer business at Apple Vacations. “And the only real way to do that is to carve out time that allows you to completely disconnect from your to-do list and do things you enjoy.”
Survey methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans; the survey was commissioned by Apple Vacations and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Oct. 25 – 30, 2024.
