Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on LiveCareer.
Many U.S. workers are feeling conflicted about taking time off.
A new survey of more than 1,000 currently employed adults reveals that economic uncertainty and job insecurity are reshaping how—and whether—people plan to use their vacation days, even as burnout remains widespread.
The findings offer a timely look at how employees are approaching time off amid ongoing layoffs and a softening economy.
Here’s a look at what the survey uncovered.
Layoff Anxiety Is Disrupting Vacation Plans
The report found that labor market uncertainty has caused the workforce to be more hesitant to use their earned vacation:
- 29% say layoffs and the poor job market are making them more hesitant to take time off this summer.
- An additional 23% are also concerned about layoffs but apprehensively moving forward with vacation plans.
Economic Pressures Add to the Hesitation
While layoff anxiety is a leading concern, financial pressures are also shaping PTO plans:
Among those hesitant to take time off, 73% cite financial concerns.
- 48% report feeling more cautious about PTO due to a weakening economy.
- Overall, nearly half (47%) of U.S. workers polled are unsure or not planning to take a vacation this summer.
What this means: Fear of job instability and financial strain are causing workers to second-guess or postpone their vacation plans, highlighting how broader economic stressors are spilling into personal time-off decisions.
Burnout Is Widespread, but Recovery Feels Risky
Despite these fears, the data shows that workers are in real need of rest. A staggering 86% report experiencing some level of stress or burnout, and more than a quarter (26%) say they feel emotionally drained multiple times per week.
-
- 30% report moderate to severe burnout.
- 77% feel stressed at work on a regular basis.
- 28% feel emotionally drained multiple times a week or more.
What this means: Workers are deeply exhausted, but many feel unable to step away. This is creating a cycle where the need for rest is clear, yet taking time off feels out of reach.
Many Workers Can’t Disconnect Even While on Vacation
Burnout, layoff fears, and pressure to stay productive are preventing employees from fully stepping away from work—even during their time off.
When asked how confident they are in completely unplugging during vacation, only half of workers said they feel they’ll be able to disconnect.
The rest expect to stay at least somewhat connected to work:
- 34% are somewhat confident but expect to check emails occasionally.
- 12% are not very confident and anticipate doing some work.
- 5% are not confident at all and say they will definitely work while on PTO.
This means nearly one in two employees are likely to stay connected to work while on vacation, undermining the restorative benefits of time off.
What this means: For many workers, time off isn’t truly time away. The pressure to stay connected is chipping away at the benefits of vacation, leaving employees unable to fully recharge.
Fear of layoffs and growing job insecurity are leading many employees to deprioritize their well-being. When workers hold back from using the PTO they’ve earned, it can take a serious toll on mental health, reduce productivity, and diminish overall engagement in the workplace.
For workers feeling concerned about job stability, taking proactive steps, like updating resumes, brushing up on key skills, and growing professional networks, helps build confidence. Even simple career prep can ease anxiety when the future feels uncertain.
Add a Comment