Introduction & Context
A new survey suggests Americans will take even less vacation time in 2026, leaving more paid time off unused. Workers cite job insecurity, fear of layoffs, and workplace cultures that reward “visibility” as key reasons for skipping vacations. This is happening even though experts warn that vacations reduce stress and burnout. The trend signals a widening gap between available PTO benefits and employees’ willingness to use them.
Background & History
The U.S. has long had a culture of limited vacation compared to many European countries, with no federal mandate for paid leave. In the past decade, some companies increased PTO benefits to attract talent, but workers often still underuse them. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic volatility shifted workplace expectations, increasing anxiety about job stability. The wave of layoffs in tech and other sectors in 2023–2025 further reinforced a “work to stay safe” mentality. This backdrop explains why even when PTO exists, employees increasingly hesitate to take it.
Key Stakeholders & Perspectives
Employees: Many workers fear that taking time off makes them appear less committed or puts them at risk of being overlooked for promotions or even layoffs. Some believe staying visible at work is essential to job survival. Employers: Some companies encourage PTO to prevent burnout, but others maintain cultures that indirectly discourage it through high workloads or unspoken expectations. Managers: Supervisors may either support vacations or subtly pressure employees to stay online, influencing workplace norms. Experts and Researchers: Workplace analysts warn that skipping vacations increases burnout, lowers productivity, and harms mental health. They argue companies should normalize time off and reduce stigma.
Analysis & Implications
If fewer Americans take vacations, the likely consequence is higher burnout, stress-related health issues, and lower long-term job satisfaction. Ironically, avoiding PTO for job security could backfire, since exhausted workers often perform worse. Companies may face higher turnover and lower productivity if employees don’t recharge. Economically, reduced vacation travel could also impact industries like tourism and hospitality. The trend also highlights inequality: workers in precarious jobs or toxic cultures may feel least able to take leave, even if they need it most.
Looking Ahead
Watch for whether employers respond by actively encouraging vacation use, such as mandatory minimum time-off policies or leadership modeling PTO. Monitor whether economic conditions improve, which could reduce job insecurity and make vacations feel safer. Employees may also increasingly seek roles with better boundaries or remote flexibility. Another key question: will workplace culture shift to value output over constant presence? “Watch for more official details and follow-up reporting” on whether unused PTO continues rising and how companies and workers adapt in 2026.