A Chicago comedian shares a sketch of executives discussing employee benefits in the boardroom. Then, he insinuates that unlimited PTO is a sneaky way to get workers to take less time off.
In a video with over 2 million views, TikToker and sketch comedian Jacob Capozzi (@thatsmyboyjacob) poses as an executive who wants to incorporate “something more interesting to get people to want to work here.”
One co-worker suggests “more competitive pay,” which he quickly shoots down.
Then, another executive says, “unlimited paid time off.”
Unlimited PTO is a popular benefit in which companies allow workers to take time off at their discretion—still with manager approval—without needing to accrue time off or get a set number of days per year.
“What if instead of limiting their time off, we removed the limits entirely?” the executive asks as foreboding music plays in the background. He reveals why the popular worker benefit isn’t as generous as it seems.
Is unlimited PTO actually a generous workers’ benefit?
The first executive laughs at the suggestion of letting the workers take “even more” days off by removing set PTO days.
“No, no. The IDEA of more,” the other clarifies. He goes on to compare unlimited versus allocated PTO with a debit card analogy.
“If I gave you my debit card and told you you could spend up to $20, I’d bet my life savings you’d spend $19.50 without hesitation,” he says. However, he suggests that if he gave an “unlimited” debit card, the person spending the money would be more cautious and try to gauge how much he was comfortable with them spending.
“If we give them 25 days a year, they’ll take 25 because it’s theirs. But if we give them infinity, they’ll hesitate,” the sketch executive explains.
“A punishment disguised as mercy,” the other remarks.
Do workers with the benefit take less time off?
Unlimited PTO is a highly sought-after benefit for workers who want more flexibility with their schedules. However, research suggests that those with the benefit take less time off overall, CBS News reports.
Additionally, companies do not have to pay out unused accrued PTO to workers who quit or are laid off, saving corporations billions.
In the comments of Capozzi’s skit, workers report that they take less time off with unlimited PTO than they did with a limit at their prior jobs.
“Just realized that i always brag about my company having unlimited PTO but in my 2 years here i’ve only taken 10 days off… my god im right where they want me aren’t i…,” one remarks.
“My unlimited PTO got denied the other day cause I ‘used too many days already this year’ I used 15 all spread out,” another shares.
“I have unlimited PTO. I take one day off and come back to triple the work and think I may have taken an extra week off… maybe,” a third writes.
However, others say they disregard raised eyebrows at work and take full advantage of the unlimited PTO policy.
“Not me gang, sitting at almost 40 days this year. Y’all be safe tho,” a commenter says.
“I have unlimited PTO and I take full advantage. It’s super nice not having to worry about your vacation days dipping down every time. Any time I need a 3 day weekend, I can take it. Any travel I want, I can book for however long feels right. And I can travel multiple times per year,” a second shares.
@thatsmyboyjacob The biggest hoax #pto #corporate #work #job #corporateamerica ♬ original sound – Jacob Capozzi
The Mary Sue reached out to Capozzi via email for further comment.
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