Nearly a quarter of U.S. workers did not take any vacation days in the past year, according to the FlexJobs Work & PTO Pressure Report. The survey, conducted between August 18 and August 31, 2025, gathered responses from 3,063 participants and found that while most employees (82%) have access to paid time off (PTO), many choose not to use it due to workload pressures, expectations from managers, and company cultures that do not support taking breaks.
The report shows that almost half of respondents (42%) took only one to ten days off during the year. Additionally, one in four workers said their manager would discourage them from taking a full week away from work.
The study also highlights different types of PTO policies across workplaces. Some companies offer accrued PTO based on hours worked; others provide a fixed number of days or enforce “use it or lose it” rules. A growing number promote unlimited PTO policies, but many employees under these plans actually take less time off than those with traditional policies.
Toni Frana, a career expert at FlexJobs, commented on the findings: “Most employees have some form of paid time off, but there’s a big difference between a company that offers this benefit and one that actually encourages workers to use it. Without a company culture that supports rest, many workers feel they can’t really step away without risking their professional reputation.”
The main reasons cited for not using available PTO include heavy workloads and concerns about negative perceptions from management or colleagues. The report notes that while 82% of workers feel somewhat or completely trusted by their employers to handle responsibilities—33% somewhat trusted and 49% completely trusted—this trust does not always extend when requesting time off. Eighteen percent reported feeling micromanaged.
When asked how managers or teams would respond if an employee took a full week off and disconnected entirely, responses suggested there is still hesitation around fully utilizing vacation benefits.
The findings point to a disconnect between official company policies regarding time off and the actual experiences of employees attempting to use those benefits. True support for rest comes from workplace culture—including leadership modeling healthy boundaries and ensuring systems are in place so staff can disconnect without penalty.
Frana emphasized: “When evaluating potential employers, remember that genuine support for time off goes beyond policy. It’s reflected in how people communicate, lead, and live out the company’s values. Companies that back up their words with action help workers avoid burnout and build trust, engagement, and long-term retention.”
FlexJobs operates as an online platform specializing in flexible job opportunities such as remote or hybrid roles. Since its founding in 2007, over 135 million people have used its resources for job searches ranging from entry-level positions to executive roles at startups and public companies alike. The organization provides vetted listings along with career advice and works directly with businesses seeking remote talent.
