This is precisely why “unlimited” PTO is a fucking scam. When it’s a set amount in writing as part of your compensation package, they’re literally committing a crime if they never let you take it. If it’s more nebulously worded, it’s easier to blame the demands of the job, as though those aren’t defined by the same people jerking you around on benefits. And they have proven time and time again that they will take everything from you if given the chance.
That depends on the local laws in place. For example, under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (in the UK), the firm is legally required to ensure all workers take their statutory days off. “Unlimited PTO” doesn’t mean anything because it’s a legal requirement that the workers take those days. You have a bit of say on when the worker takes those days, but you risk the HMRC coming after you if your workers don’t take their holiday.
Soooo no, in some countries Unlimited PTO is a bit less of a scam, because you still get your statutory holiday anyway, so anything after that is a bonus.
There was once a QA tester in my last job that had to be taken aside by a manager at the end of the year and told “You haven’t been taking any leave this year. You will use those days you’ve accrued before the end of the year or both you and I are in big trouble. This is not a request, you are going on holiday!”
While you are correct, the actual reason this started is much simpler.
CA has a law that all unused vacation must be paid out at separation. All the silicon valley CEOs loophole this law by claiming unlimited PTO, therefore no payout because nothing is accrued.
In my country, if you offer unlimited PTO, and there’s seperation, you will have to pay out what was contracted: Unlimited PTO. I guess, in most cases that would be interpreted as 365 days a year
Hence, nobody is dumb enough to offer unlimited PTO.
This is precisely why “unlimited” PTO is a fucking scam. When it’s a set amount in writing as part of your compensation package, they’re literally committing a crime if they never let you take it. If it’s more nebulously worded, it’s easier to blame the demands of the job, as though those aren’t defined by the same people jerking you around on benefits. And they have proven time and time again that they will take everything from you if given the chance.
That depends on the local laws in place. For example, under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (in the UK), the firm is legally required to ensure all workers take their statutory days off. “Unlimited PTO” doesn’t mean anything because it’s a legal requirement that the workers take those days. You have a bit of say on when the worker takes those days, but you risk the HMRC coming after you if your workers don’t take their holiday.
Soooo no, in some countries Unlimited PTO is a bit less of a scam, because you still get your statutory holiday anyway, so anything after that is a bonus.
There was once a QA tester in my last job that had to be taken aside by a manager at the end of the year and told “You haven’t been taking any leave this year. You will use those days you’ve accrued before the end of the year or both you and I are in big trouble. This is not a request, you are going on holiday!”
While you are correct, the actual reason this started is much simpler.
CA has a law that all unused vacation must be paid out at separation. All the silicon valley CEOs loophole this law by claiming unlimited PTO, therefore no payout because nothing is accrued.
In my country, if you offer unlimited PTO, and there’s seperation, you will have to pay out what was contracted: Unlimited PTO. I guess, in most cases that would be interpreted as 365 days a year
Hence, nobody is dumb enough to offer unlimited PTO.