PTO Wars: Choosing Between Unlimited, Minimum, and “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Policies

As employers continue to rethink paid time off policies, legal and practical considerations are becoming just as important as recruiting and retention goals. In the latest installment of their Employment Law in Focus series for Today’s General Counsel, Woods Rogers Principals Anne Bibeau and Leah Stiegler examine the advantages and drawbacks of unlimited, minimum PTO, and traditional “use-it-or-lose-it” policies, offering guidance on how employers can structure leave programs that support both compliance and workplace culture.

Anne and Leah explain that while unlimited PTO policies can reduce administrative burdens and improve recruiting, they also carry legal and operational risks if they are not carefully designed. They also explore the growing trend of minimum PTO requirements, which encourage employees to take time off to combat burnout while promoting productivity and retention.

Ultimately, Anne and Leah encourage employers to look beyond the latest workplace trends and instead adopt PTO policies that reflect an organization’s culture, operational needs, and compliance obligations. 

Read the full article in Today’s General Counsel.