Use That PTO!

Happy Wednesday, Besties!

If you’ve ever watched one of those social media videos shouting “Take your PTO!” and thought, Right…but how?? this episode is for you - and your team.

Ashley starts off with a story that personifies the saying, “You never know until you ask.” From there, we’re talking about into what time off really looks like: how to think about it differently, and use it in a way that makes an impact long after you get back.

In this week’s episode:

• Intro Story: The time Ashley took a vacation with co-workers and ended up dripping wet in front of the crowd of a popular nightclub (thankful this was in the pre-TikTok era).

• Corporate Cringe Speak: Find out which Bestie realized real-time in recording that she’s used this. Yeek.

• Hot Topic: Time Off That’s Actually Off (Not Off-ish) - We talk about whether we take our work laptops on vacation, how unlimited PTO really works (or doesn’t), and 3 tips to help people step away without stress. If you’ve ever found yourself answering emails in a beach chair - this one’s for you.

• Questions & Comments: We’re sharing our summer vacation plans - plus a Broadway-inspired tip to convince your organization that time off isn’t just good for your soul, it’s a must-do for better work.

Discussion Guide – For Your Next Podcast Group or Team Chat

• Work Baggage: Do you take your work laptop or check work email regularly on vacation?

• Time Off Strategies: How can we better create an environment where we don’t just “allow” time off, but make it easier for people to take it and be off, not off-ish?

• Shut Downs: If we were going to shut down the organization for a few days to allow a full recharge, when would be the ideal time? Who would still have to work, and how can we help them be off another time?

ChatGPT Prompts of the Week

Professional:

• How can I create a plan for [insert team function] to talk about cross-training and communication so people can actually take time off?

• What’s a friendly but clear communication I can send before taking time off to make sure people know I’ll be out and can ask me questions before then, but also have go-to people while I’m out?

Personal(ish):

• Which HR Bestie co-host am I most like?

We want to hear your results - send them to use via the link below! No extra tasks from us (you’ve earned your time off). Okay, just one small ask: if you’re enjoying the podcast, we’d love a quick rating or review while you’re listening. That’s it. Promise.

Still technically in the office (but mentally at the beach),
Your HR Besties

Click here to reach out to is with your questions and comments. We love anonymous intro stories!