Do you take all of your paid time off (PTO) each year? And I mean truly take it - no “just checking in” emails, no quick calls, no working from the beach.
Unfortunately, many people don’t. And those in leadership roles are often the worst offenders.
Why? Some believe the organization can’t function without them. (Spoiler: it can.) Others feel guilty stepping away or worry they'll fall behind. And in today’s hustle culture - where long hours and constant availability are often worn like a badge of honor - taking a week-long vacation can feel like a productivity sin.
But here’s the truth: If a leader believes they can’t take time off, they’ve already failed because they haven’t empowered their team to take ownership in their absence.
Train and Trust Your People
A strong leader trusts their people. They’ve invested in training, delegated effectively, and planned ahead. That foundation creates confidence - not just in the team, but in the leader’s ability to step away.
Take my boss, Beth. She’s the perfect example of a leader who models healthy boundaries. When she takes a vacation, she actually takes it. No emails. No check-ins.
She’s present with her family, enjoying every moment of her well-earned break.
How? Because she’s done the work up front. She’s trained us. She trusts us. She prepares us. So, when she heads off on a summer road trip, she knows we’ve got it covered. And we do.
When leaders like Beth use their PTO, they send a powerful message: Taking time off is not only okay - it’s necessary. And that message matters. It gives the rest of us permission to unplug too, without guilt or second-guessing.
Taking Time Off is Good for Business
So, be like Beth. Understand why using your PTO matters for you and your team:
- It boosts productivity. Rested people perform better. Time off helps you recharge, reset your focus, and return with renewed energy. The alternative? Burnout, disengagement, and costly mistakes.
- It develops your team. When you step away, your team has a chance to stretch and grow. With proper training and planning, they can step up which builds confidence, skills, and collaboration.
- It sets the tone. As a leader, your behavior sets cultural norms. If you take PTO (and actually disconnect), your team will feel more comfortable doing the same. If you don’t disconnect while on vacation? They likely won’t disconnect either.
Leadership is demanding. But taking PTO isn’t a luxury - it’s a leadership responsibility. It helps you stay sharp and sets the tone for a healthy, resilient workplace.
And really…of all the things leaders have to do, using your paid time off should be one of the easiest things to check off the list.
