do you have to use vacation days when you are sick?
when employees are sick is it common for them to HAVE to use vacation days? If not, what is the best way to make your company change? talk to HR, the CEO? context: My employer used to distinguish between Personal Time Off (PTO) and Personal Time Ill (PTI) of the latter we usually got 3 days per year (no rollover into the next year). They recently merged it together into PTO and it results us in having about 3 more PTO days. However, even though you’ve never been sick for multiple years and then you get sick for a few days (e.g, flue) and then have to see a doctor for something else, all eats into PTO - your vacation days.. would you consider that fairly normal or what is your experience?
That is likely the norm in the US rather than the exception. Unfortunately!
PTO is a benefit that employers provide to be competitive with other companies and retain current employees. If you’re not happy with it, let it be known by either voicing it or voting with your feet (moving to an employer with better PTO) There are pros and cons to every PTO arrangement. Some will enjoy the fact that they get extra vacation if they never use sick days. Others may have taken advantage of accumulating sick days and then using them later.
I totally agree that it is a benefit. But I wonder - what about companies that don’t provide PTO. Do the people just not get paid when they’re sick?
I doubt that you would find a competitive company that didn’t offer PTO of some kind to salaried employees. Hourly employees will obviously be different but some orgs will offer them PTO as well.
I don't get sick.
Unlimited PTO makes this simple
Unlimited PTO is a scam, it’s just a way for employers to not pay out accrued PTO to departing employees. Studies have also shown the employees feel guiltier about unlimited PTO and take less than they would otherwise.
I'm aware of the problems with unlimited PTO, just pointing out that it simplifies this issue.
Yes. Sometimes if I feel like I can work but I don’t want to get everyone sick at the office I have to ask if I can work from home.
State of Wa it is law that you are paid for sick days. I think at least 29 hours per year, not sure. Google it if you’re in WA.
Thanks! That’s very interesting to know. I’m in California. I did some googling already, and it seems like there are not a lot of requirements by law in regard of PTO but some for sick days
No, PTO is not mandated anywhere, it’s a perk, but this specific law for mandatory sick pay is meant to ensure people in very low paying jobs do not come to work sick because they can’t afford to lose a days wages. Of course that means it applies to all of us, not just the working poor.
I would consider that toxic