Wondering if workers are suffering burnout? Unused PTO is often the first clue

As the end of the year nears, some employees may be scrambling to get all their time off on the vacation calendar, but many others don’t bother. Instead, they willingly leave paid time off (PTO) unused even if they work under a “use it or lose it” policy. It’s not that they don’t need a break. In fact, many say they’re in dire need of respite, with some even saying they can’t remember the last time they felt rested. So why do they stay on the job? A recent survey blames “relaxation guilt.”

Time off: A guilt trip?

In May, wellness experiences platform ResortPass released a survey that found 40% of Americans feel guilty relaxing even though 78% say they need a break. For its research, ResortPass, which promotes single-day escapes at spas and resorts, surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults under 60.

Three-fourths of the respondents reported feeling mentally or physically drained at least once a week, including 27% who feel that way every day. The survey data also says one in five respondents can’t remember the last time they felt fully rested.

In addition, the survey shows that eight in 10 professionals said they expect to end the year with unused PTO. Why? Many don’t want to face the work that piles up during extended time off, as well as pressure to always remain available.

Some other key findings from the survey:

• More than half of the respondents say they experience 10 or less restorative days in a year.