Adam Grant

I study how to make work not suck.

In this show, we explore how to unlock the potential in people and workplaces.

Today, time off from work and how we can remake breaks to actually get the rest we need.

We know that taking time away from work is vital to health, well-being, and performance.

But many people don't even use their paid vacation days.

When my mom retired after three decades as a teacher, she had almost an entire year of unused sick days.

She felt a responsibility to be there, and she was saving them for an emergency that never came.

You probably know people who do something similar.

Nearly half of Americans don't use all their paid vacations.

Some companies have tried to solve that problem by offering unlimited paid time off.

It sounds great in theory.

Instead of restricting freedom, treat people like adults and trust them to manage their own vacations.

Sign me up for as much vacation as I want.

but the research paints a more complicated picture.

On the one hand, unlimited vacations do convey trust and autonomy.

On the other hand, people often end up taking fewer vacation days.

When no one knows how many days off are okay, people start hesitating to take them.

They're afraid to take more vacation than their peers.

They don't want to look like slackers.

Soon an arms race ensues where everyone minimizes time off to prove their commitment.