A startling number of employees are now too afraid to use their hard-earned annual leave, with new research suggesting the problem stems not from overbearing managers, but from how we work. A recent survey of over 3,000 US workers for the site FlexJobs found that nearly a quarter took no vacation in the past year, and a massive 82% actively avoid using their accrued time off.
The Real Reasons Behind Holiday Hesitation
According to employment lawyer Kelsey Szamet, a significant shift in employee mentality is driving this trend. She points to growing job security fears, exacerbated by a slowing economy and the rapid adoption of AI and automation. "Many employees are concerned about the security of their jobs," Szamet explained. "The adoption of AI... has allowed employees to actually consider their own replaceability before requesting a leave."
However, business owner and columnist Gene Marks argues this fear is often misplaced. From his experience with hundreds of business clients, he observes that successful employees who take ownership of their roles have no issue using their full holiday allowance each year.
Reframing Paid Time Off and Embracing Teamwork
Marks emphasises that for good employers, paid time off (PTO) is a non-negotiable part of compensation. Discouraging its use is akin to wage theft. His own company offers unlimited PTO, focusing on outcomes rather than hours logged. The key, he suggests, is smarter work practices: delegation, teamwork, and covering for colleagues so they can return the favour.
He illustrates this with an anecdote about a corporate operations specialist who never missed his child's Little League games. His secret? "Whenever I have something to do, my first thought is, who on my team will be doing it for me?" This proactive approach to workload management is crucial for creating the space to disconnect.
Technology as a Vacation-Enabler, Not a Job-Killer
While many fear AI will make their roles redundant, Marks proposes a different perspective. He suggests that, used wisely, AI can become a "vacation-enabler." By leveraging technology to handle routine tasks, employees can increase their productivity and value, ultimately creating more capacity to take time off. The current generation of AI may require careful oversight, but forward-thinking workers will learn to harness it for a better work-life balance.
The modern reality of connectivity also changes the game. With smartphones and internet access almost everywhere, the pressure to go completely "off-grid" has lessened. The worst-case scenario for checking emails is now "a ski lodge, a cafe in Rome, or by the pool in Aruba"—a prospect still preferable to the office desk.
Communication is the Ultimate Key
Ultimately, Marks identifies communication as the critical factor. Most managers are not trying to be difficult; they simply want to avoid operational problems. Employees can alleviate these concerns by clearly communicating their plans, ensuring coverage, and being reachable in a genuine emergency. This builds trust and makes managers more likely to support time away.
Contrary to the fearful narrative, the vast majority of bosses want their teams to take holiday. They understand that rested, happy employees are more productive and engaged. The challenge lies in overcoming self-imposed barriers and restructuring work habits to make taking that well-deserved break not just possible, but effortless.
