Limited Annual Leave Is a Major Red Flag for Job Seekers

Job seekers today are prioritizing benefits just as much as salary, and one of the biggest red flags in job postings is a lackluster paid time off (PTO) plan.

A recent survey by London-based StandOut CV found that minimal annual leave is the top reason candidates lose interest in a job listing. Other major red flags include:

• Pressure to engage with company social media
• No mention of salary details
• Lack of diversity on leadership teams or company pages
• The overused phrase, “We’re like a family”

This aligns with findings from the 2024 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey, which ranked leave benefits—alongside retirement savings—as the second most important employee offering, just behind health care.

How Much PTO Do Employers Typically Offer?

According to SHRM, most employers (96%) provide paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. On average, full-time employees receive:

• 12 vacation days
• 10 sick days
• 20 PTO days (combined vacation & sick time) after one year

However, HR professionals stress that PTO policies should reflect what matters most to their workforce. “It’s really about managing employees’ needs,” says SHRM data specialist Calven Engstrom. “At the end of the day, it’s about making employees happy.”

The Real PTO Problem: Employees Struggle to Disconnect

Even when PTO is available, many employees find it hard to unplug. A 2024 Harris Poll revealed that:

• 60% struggle to fully disconnect on vacation
• 86% check emails from their boss
• 56% take work-related calls
• Nearly half feel guilty about taking time off

This "always-on" culture can lead to burnout, stress, and even resignations.

Unlimited PTO: Is It the Solution?

Unlimited PTO policies are gaining traction, with 1 in 5 U.S. workers saying they’d reject a job offer without it. However, data shows that employees with unlimited PTO don’t actually take much more time off. According to Empower:

• Employees with unlimited PTO take an average of 16 days off per year
• Employees with standard PTO policies take 14 days

Encouraging Employees to Use Their Time Off

Despite the demand for strong PTO policies, many employees hesitate to use their days. To build a culture that encourages rest and recovery, HR leaders should:

• Promote the benefits of taking time off
• Lead by example—managers should take PTO themselves
• Address barriers that prevent employees from using their time

A strong PTO policy isn’t just a perk—it’s a key factor in attracting top talent and fostering a healthy, engaged workforce.