In the hustle and bustle of American workplaces, the concept of paid time off (PTO) often feels like an elusive luxury, frequently left untapped by employees.

Shockingly, a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll, encompassing 1,170 American workers, unveils that a staggering 78% of U.S. workers don’t fully utilize their entitled vacation days. This trend, particularly prevalent among younger generations, sheds light on a phenomenon known as “quiet vacationing.”

Libby Rodney, chief strategy officer at The Harris Poll, attributes this trend to the relentless pressure felt by young professionals to continually meet deadlines and maintain peak productivity. The fear of being perceived as lazy or uncommitted often shackles them from openly requesting time off. Consequently, many resort to secret tactics to secure much-needed breaks without raising eyebrows.

For millennials, the art of quiet vacationing has become almost common, with nearly 40% admitting to taking time off without notifying their superiors. Strategies vary, from sneakily showing activity on work-related communication platforms to scheduling messages to create the illusion of steadfast dedication. Rodney labels this as a manifestation of a broader “workaround culture” where employees seek work-life balance under the radar rather than confronting the system head-on.

The prevalence of quiet vacationing underscores deeper issues within workplace PTO policies and cultures. Rodney advocates for employers to cultivate supportive environments that not only endorse but also normalize taking time off. Transparent processes for requesting PTO, leading by example, and actively supporting employees’ leave are pivotal steps employers can take to curb the necessity for covert vacationing.

Contrary to popular belief, unlimited PTO policies don’t necessarily resolve the issue. While workers with moderate PTO allowances tend to utilize their time off more effectively, there’s a noticeable decline in usage among those with overly generous allowances. Instead, Rodney suggests innovative PTO benefits such as company-wide shutdowns during holidays, incentivizing pre-employment vacations, or mandating regular PTO usage to ensure employees recharge throughout the year.

Furthermore, The Harris Poll survey sheds light on a growing response among Americans for policies such as those commonly seen in Europe, which better regulate work-life balance. Suggestions include extended vacation periods, shorter workweeks, longer lunch breaks, and safeguards against after-hours work demands. Implementing such measures could not only alleviate the need for quiet vacationing, but also foster healthier work habits and overall well-being.

In the pursuit of work-life equilibrium, quiet vacationing emerges as a symptom of deeper systemic issues within American workplaces. Rectifying these issues demands a concerted effort from both employers and policymakers to foster environments where taking time off isn’t just encouraged but also supported and celebrated. Only then can workers truly disconnect and recharge without resorting to stealthy maneuvers.

Tina Hamilton is founder & CEO of myHR Partner Inc., a Lehigh Valley human resources outsourcing firm that manages HR for clients in 41 states across the U.S. She can be reached at tina@myhrpartner.com.