Why Are New Jersey Workers NOT Using PTO?

Alright New Jersey, we need to have a little group chat about PTO.

For a lot of us, the days of getting paid out for unused paid time off are long gone. During the pandemic, many employees barely touched their PTO, and businesses noticed. Fast forward to now: if you don’t use it, you lose it. That’s not just sad, it’s basically leaving money on the table.

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Failing to use PTO? Some say it should be a crime. Although if it were, apparently half of us would be doing time.

Solitaired recently surveyed Americans on how they use (or don’t use) their paid time off, and New Jersey had some pretty eye-opening results.

New Jersey’s PTO Habits Revealed

According to the survey, 74% of New Jersey workers leave some PTO unused, ranking the state ninth-highest in the country. On average, employees leave 6.1 days on the table. That’s the third-highest number nationwide. Ouch.

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On the brighter side, Garden State residents are actually using PTO for the right reasons. Seventy percent have taken time off to travel, 64% have used it just to relax (the highest rate in the U.S.), and nearly half have used PTO for health appointments. Mental health matters too, with 40% saying they’ve taken PTO specifically for that reason.

Why Using PTO Is More Than Just A Vacation

Work-life balance isn’t a buzzword these days. In my opinion, it’s essential.

Regular time away from work helps reduce burnout, improves mental health, and can even boost productivity when you return. PTO isn’t a luxury; it’s part of your compensation.

If You’re Not Getting Paid, Use The PTO

If your benefits package includes PTO, use every single hour. Even if you don't use it for a vacation... use it SOMEHOW.

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Whether it’s travel, rest, appointments, or a mental reset, you earned it. And honestly? Your future self will thank you.