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What "unlimited PTO" really means

@carlycore.xo

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Why it worked

The video uses a relatable, satirical skit format to address a common workplace pain point, which drives high engagement through shared frustration and social commentary.

Summary

A skit depicting a conversation between an employee and a manager about the realities of 'unlimited PTO' policies. The video highlights how such policies often lead to increased workloads and a lack of true disconnection from work.

Structure

1Manager introduces unlimited PTO policy
2Employee asks about workload coverage
3Manager reveals the expectation to stay connected
4Employee realizes the policy is not actually flexible
5Manager admits they haven't taken time off themselves

On-screen text

What "unlimited PTO" really means It sounds amazing (no one) nothing actually gets reassigned PTO... but still online (double workload after) for who? there it is.

Transcript

What "unlimited PTO" really means. We offer unlimited PTO here, and we really encourage employees to take time off. Unlimited? That's amazing. So I can just take time whenever I need? Of course, as long as your work is covered. Okay, cool. So who covers my work? You'd have to manage that before you go. So I just like do extra work before I leave? Like just staying ahead. And when I'm off, I'm like fully offline, right? Yeah. But just always keep an eye on Slack in case anything urgent comes up. I would take your work laptop with you. And then when I get back, everything will be handled? We always keep things moving around here, so you'll need to get caught up. Okay, so I do extra work before I leave, check messages while I'm gone, and when I get back, there's even more work. It's all about flexibility. For who? Have you taken any? Me? I've been really busy. So, there it is.

Original caption

THE UNLIMITED PTO TRAP: People with unlimited PTO actually take less time off. Research shows: ➡️10 days on average vs ~17 with traditional PTO ➡️42% still work while on vacation ➡️Over half say they can’t fully disconnect I lived this. I worked at a company with unlimited PTO… and I barely used it. Not because I didn’t want to but because the workload made it feel impossible. The only time in 8 years I fully unplugged (no laptop, no checking in) was my honeymoon. And it took so much prep that I came back completely swamped. Curious… does your company actually encourage you to use it? #corporatelife #PTO #toxicworkplace #9to5life #fyp