← Remote Work Glossary

Unlimited PTO

A time-off policy with no fixed cap on paid vacation days, subject to manager approval.

Unlimited PTO removes the set number of vacation days, letting employees take time off as needed with approval. In theory it offers freedom; in practice, without a clear floor, people sometimes take less than they would with a fixed allowance.

The healthiest versions pair it with a stated minimum and leaders who visibly take holidays. When you see "unlimited PTO," ask what the team actually averages in a year.