1 in 4 U.S. Workers Took No Vacation in the Past Year

Time Off Exists — But Many Don’t Use It

A new report from FlexJobs reveals a troubling trend among American workers: despite 82% of employees having access to paid time off, nearly one in four didn’t take a single vacation day in the past year. The findings, based on a survey of more than 3,000 workers, highlight how workplace expectations and culture often undermine the very benefits designed to promote work-life balance.

While 40% of respondents took between one and ten days off, 25% said their manager would discourage them from taking a full week away from work.

Workload and Culture Are Major Barriers

According to the report, workers most often cited heavy workloads, manager expectations, and company culture as the top reasons they don’t take more time off. Many said they feared that stepping away—even briefly—could hurt their standing with supervisors or delay critical projects.

“Most employees have some form of paid time off, but there’s a big difference between a company that offers this benefit and one that actually encourages workers to use it,” said Toni Frana, a career expert at FlexJobs. “Without a company culture that supports rest, many workers feel they can’t really step away without risking their professional reputation.”

A Growing Concern for Employers

The data suggests that burnout and productivity challenges may continue to rise if businesses fail to address the stigma around taking time off. Encouraging employees to unplug could not only improve mental health but also enhance long-term performance and retention.

As the line between home and work continues to blur, the study serves as a reminder: paid time off only helps if people feel empowered to take it.