Leo Gillick
It’s widely understood that the US has some of the worst workers’ rights in the developed world. Now, it’s transpired that Americans are even using their PTO to catch up on much-needed sleep.
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With no federally enforced sick pay or PTO, US companies treat their staff like drones. While Europe languishes in 4 weeks of mandatory paid time off, Germany enjoys 100% pay for six weeks of sick pay, followed by 70% state support ongoing, Americans are having to use their pitiful PTO for sleeping.
Studies Show: The Amerisleep company conducted an interview with more than 1,200 people to ask about their habits. It appeared that around 37% of them said they used their PTO to catch up on much-needed sleep.
- Rather than use their holiday for travel, family, or creative pursuits, they simply recharged batteries drained by too much work. They didn’t have the time to do it while they slaved away at a 9-to-5.
Unsurprising Results
With constantly diminishing workers’ rights in the US, and endlessly increasing work hours, it’s hardly a surprise that people need to sleep and will use holiday time for it. The introduction of the 996, a work practice banned in China, is a sure sign that things are out of control.
- Every year, Americans work harder and for less. As the dollar devalues, the cost of living only increases. Around 9 million Americans have to work two jobs just to make ends meet. Gone are the golden ages of a single income supporting a family. Now, both have to work just to keep a family from starving.
Across the board: Before you pin these sleepy employee habits on the new generation, it’s good to look at just who reported using their PTO to sleep. According to the studies, millennials were most overworked with 43 percent holisleeping. Next, it was the slightly less weary 34 percent of Gen X. 33 percent of Gen Z said they use PTO to sleep, and just 20 percent of baby boomers.
Holidays used to be a time to unwind, close the laptop, and pursue something selfish. Now, it’s simply another chance to charge back up for more relentless work. What’s the point of earning if there’s no time to spend it?
