This generation is most likely to feel guilty about taking paid time off — and they’re younger than you might think

New York Post - Apr 22nd, 2025

A recent survey conducted by YouGov for iced tea brand Halfday reveals that 58% of US millennials feel guilty when taking their PTO, unlike boomers who are less remorseful. The study highlights generational differences in attitudes towards vacation time, with millennials feeling more pressure to stay connected to work, even during breaks. This guilt may stem from entering the workforce during a technological boom, where constant availability became a norm.

The survey's findings underscore a broader issue of work-life balance in the US, where many feel compelled to work during vacations. This is supported by a Movchan Agency survey showing 54% of US adults work while on vacation. Despite having PTO, 62% of Americans leave days unused annually, a figure that has nearly doubled in four years. Meanwhile, baby boomers appear to manage their time off better, taking more vacations than younger generations.

Millennials Work Life Balance Baby Boomers Mike Lombardo You Gov Pto Vacation Guilt Halfday Movchan Agency

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the issue of vacation guilt among different generations, particularly focusing on millennials. It provides a clear and timely discussion supported by reputable survey data and expert commentary. The balance of perspectives is generally good, though additional viewpoints could enrich the narrative. The article's transparency could be improved with more detailed methodology disclosure. Overall, the article is well-written, engaging, and addresses a topic of significant public interest, though its impact is likely more personal or organizational than societal. Its clarity and readability make it accessible to a broad audience, while its timeliness ensures relevance to current discussions on work-life balance.

Accuracy

The story accurately reflects the general sentiment around vacation guilt among different generations, particularly millennials, as supported by survey data. The claim that 58% of millennials feel guilty about taking PTO is broadly supported by similar findings, though not directly confirmed by the exact figure. The generational comparison in guilt levels is consistent with available data, showing millennials as the most guilt-ridden, followed by Gen Z and baby boomers. However, some numerical specifics, such as the exact percentage of Gen Z feeling guilty, slightly differ from the broader data trends. Overall, the story’s key points are truthful and align with general survey findings, though some precision in figures could be improved.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by discussing the perspectives of different generations regarding vacation guilt. It highlights millennials, Gen Z, and baby boomers, offering insights into each group's experiences and attitudes toward taking PTO. However, the focus remains primarily on millennials, potentially overshadowing the nuances of other generations' experiences. The inclusion of expert commentary from Mike Lombardo adds depth, but additional perspectives from employees across industries or HR professionals could have enriched the narrative further, providing a more comprehensive view of the issue.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly communicates the main points regarding vacation guilt among different generations. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the information easy to understand. The flow of the article is logical, moving from the introduction of the issue to the survey findings and expert commentary. The tone remains neutral, focusing on presenting information rather than persuading the reader, which aids in maintaining clarity and comprehension.

Source quality

The story cites a survey conducted by YouGov, a reputable market research firm, which lends credibility to the findings. It also includes an expert opinion from Mike Lombardo, co-founder of Halfday, which adds authority to the discussion on work-life balance and technology's impact. However, the article could benefit from a wider range of sources, such as academic studies or additional surveys, to corroborate the claims and provide a more robust foundation for the conclusions drawn.

Transparency

The article mentions the survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Halfday but lacks detailed information about the survey methodology, such as sample demographics or data collection methods. While the expert opinion is attributed to Mike Lombardo, the basis for his claims could be more explicitly stated. Greater transparency about the sources of data and the context in which they were gathered would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to assess the validity of the claims more thoroughly.