Unlimited PTO sounds like a dream to some. But for others, it’s a nightmare. We asked Glassdoor Community users their thoughts on this semi-controversial benefit, and they didn’t hold back. Here are the hottest takes from job seekers that answer any questions you may have about how legit unlimited PTO policies are (or aren’t). Spoiler alert: Not everyone agrees.
- Not all unlimited PTO policies are created equal.
“100% depends on the company culture. It was a scam at my previous job—no one took more than a few days at a time; people who took 2 weeks together were resented; there was often an expectation that you were “reachable” during PTO.”
- First Republic 1
- Unlimited PTO is often better for the employer.
“Unlimited PTO is a trap, it gives you a feeling that you can take it anytime, why take it now, vs when you accrue.
- Associate 2
Plus companies don't have [to] pay you for unutilized PTO when you leave.
It benefits them, they just market it as if they care about you.”
- It can be a major selling point for companies.
“It is definitely a blessing and a benefit I look closely for in job descriptions these days (and I pay attention to how it's worded when included).”
- Creative Project Manager 1
- Contrary to the name of the benefit, unlimited PTO has limits.
“If you leave a company and don’t have saved PTO for them to pay you back, they won. Maybe it could be a mutual benefit if they gave you 10 days a year and the rest was “unlimited,” but I’ve never heard of someone taking a paid year off and a company being cool with it.”
- Amazon 1
- Your manager determines how "unlimited" your PTO really is.
“I have unlimited PTO at my job. I don't abuse it, but knowing I have a guaranteed any day I need it off, is nice. Just make sure to get your work done, and boss man doesn't care.”
- Claim Technician 1
- Unlimited PTO policies vary widely by company and role.
“I think a mix of a blessing and a trap. I work/ed for companies that had unlimited PTO but I rarely used it as unlimited. I take maybe about 2ish weeks off every year because I work a lot. lol one rare occasion I was able to get a month off for travel if I planned super far ahead.”
- Senior Art Director
- Unlimited PTO works when leadership sets the right example.
“Unlimited PTO could be a scam but I lead by example and take long ass vacations every year so my team does too.”
- LinkedIn 1
So, is unlimited PTO really worth it? Clearly, the devil is in the details when it comes to company policies. To help you make your decision, check out more on this and other topics in Glassdoor’s Worklife Bowl.