Millennials are more likely to feel guilty about using their paid time off than older generations

Vacation remorse is a common issue among working Americans, with many feeling guilty for taking time off. A survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Halfday iced tea revealed that 58% of millennials experience self-inflicted guilt when they take time off for pleasure. In comparison, only 55% of Gen Zers and less than half of baby boomers feel guilty about using their PTO days. This guilt is attributed to the unique work environment that millennials have grown up in, with constant connectivity and the expectation of always being available, even when on vacation. This fear of falling behind or missing out on important work-related information leads many to work even while on vacation.

Mike Lombardo, co-founder of Halfday, believes that the work-life balance in the US is heavily tipped in favor of work, leading to guilt and anxiety when taking time off. He notes that technological advancements have only exacerbated this issue, as many employees feel the need to stay plugged in to work even during their vacation. This constant connectivity and fear of falling behind upon return to work contribute to the guilt felt by millennials when taking time off. The survey also revealed that a significant portion of US adults admitted to working while on vacation, further emphasizing the idea that vacation remorse is a widespread issue.

Another survey by communications firm Movchan Agency showed that 54% of US adults work while on vacation, further highlighting the difficulty many Americans face when trying to disconnect from work. This survey also found that 62% of Americans leave many PTO days unused each year, a number that has been steadily increasing over the past few years. The study also revealed that baby boomers, who take more vacation time than millennials and Gen Zers, seem to have found a better balance between work and leisure. This indicates that there may be valuable lessons to be learned from the older generation when it comes to taking time off and prioritizing rest and relaxation.

Overall, the issue of vacation remorse seems to be impacting a significant portion of the working population in the US. The survey results suggest that millennials feel the most guilt when taking time off, likely due to the unique work environment they have grown up in. Constant connectivity and the fear of falling behind at work contribute to this guilt, leading many to work while on vacation. However, studies have shown that taking time off is essential for mental health and overall well-being, indicating that finding a healthy work-life balance is crucial for a productive and fulfilled life. By learning from generations that prioritize rest and relaxation, younger workers can hopefully overcome their vacation remorse and start prioritizing their time off without guilt.