Happy New Year, everyone! It’s January 2026, and while most of us are probably still recovering from the holidays, a new report is already warning that U.S. workers plan to take **even fewer** vacation days this year.
Economic uncertainty, fears of layoffs, and the rise of AI and automation are pushing employees to prioritize “visibility” and job security over much-needed rest. The mindset has shifted: staying glued to your desk feels safer than logging off for a week.
Here are some of the eye-opening numbers:
- 82% of full-time workers have paid time off (PTO), but many are too nervous to use it.
- 42% of workers took only 1–10 days off last year.
- 25% said their manager would actively discourage them from taking a full week away.
- 70% report higher financial stress due to inflation and market volatility.
- 56% are worried about losing their jobs.
Experts quoted in the article point out the irony: skipping vacation to look “indispensable” often backfires. Burned-out employees become **more** replaceable, not less. Layoffs tend to target role redundancy and budget issues, not whether someone took their earned time off. As one CEO put it, exhausted workers are usually the first to go, while refreshed, high-performing ones are retained.
The bigger picture? This fear-driven culture is creating “cultural dehydration” – teams running on fumes, less innovative, and more prone to mistakes. Smart leaders, the article argues, should build “fire-resistant” workplaces that actually encourage rest, because sustainable performance beats performative presence every time.
Personal takeaway: If you’re lucky enough to have PTO, use it. A real break makes you sharper, more creative, and – counterintuitively – more secure in your role. Don’t let 2026 be the year you trade your well-being for a false sense of safety.
What about you? Planning to take more time off this year, or feeling the pressure to stay logged in? Drop your thoughts below.