Millennials Embrace ‘Quiet Vacationing’ Over Traditional PTO Requests
In a surprising trend, millennials are increasingly opting for ‘quiet vacationing’—taking time off work without informing their employers. This phenomenon was highlighted in a recent Harris Poll survey, which found that nearly 40% of millennials have taken time off without notifying their boss. This is significantly higher compared to 24% of Gen Zers and Gen Xers who reported doing the same.
The Mechanics of Quiet Vacationing
Millennials are not just taking time off; they are also employing various tactics to make it appear as though they are still working. According to the survey:
- 38% of millennials have moved their mouse to keep their status active on messaging apps.
- 37% of millennials have scheduled messages to be sent outside their usual hours to give the impression of working overtime.
In contrast, only 30% of Gen Zers and 27% of Gen Xers reported using these tactics.
Generational Differences in Work Culture
Libby Rodney, Chief Strategy Officer at The Harris Poll, suggests that generational differences play a significant role in this trend. While Gen Z is more vocal about criticizing employers for poor work-life balance, millennials are more likely to find quiet workarounds behind the scenes.
The Bigger Picture: Unused PTO
The survey also revealed that a staggering 78% of American workers do not use all their paid time off (PTO). The primary reasons cited include:
- Pressure to always be available
- Heavy workload
More than half of the respondents admitted to taking work-related calls while on vacation, and 86% said they would check an email from their boss while on PTO. This suggests a blurring of lines between work time and personal time.
The European Comparison
In contrast to the U.S., European workers enjoy more generous PTO policies. For example, workers in the EU are guaranteed at least 20 days of paid annual leave. This has led many Americans to advocate for a shift towards the European model, which better recognizes the boundaries between work and personal time.
Conclusion
The trend of ‘quiet vacationing’ among millennials highlights a significant issue in the American workplace: the need for a better work-life balance. As younger generations continue to find ways to take time off without appearing unproductive, it becomes increasingly clear that employers need to foster a culture that values regular breaks and the utilization of PTO.
Sources
- Why ‘quiet quit’ when you can ‘quiet vacation’? Millennials are taking time off without telling their bosses. Gen Z has a different tactic., Business Insider.
- Quiet vacationing: why workers are sneaking off on holiday without telling their boss, The Guardian.
- Millennials are ‘quiet vacationing’ rather than asking their boss for PTO: ‘There’s a giant workaround culture’, CNBC.