At this time of year, many employees are taking advantage of their paid time off benefits to set out on exciting adventures or to take some time to decompress from the stresses of life. Paid time off is an important benefit offered by employers, with 62% of workers reporting that PTO is “extremely important” to them when considering a job offer. And we know that PTO has multiple benefits to employees, including improvements for mental and physical health along with better productivity, morale, and commitment to their employers.
Despite these findings, a surprising number of American employees do not take full advantage of their PTO. The Pew Research Center reported in 2023 that 46% of Americans are not using all of their PTO, and Forbes reports that 52% of employees are actively working while on PTO.
Because we know how important it is for your employees to take time away from work, here are a few ideas to encourage people to utilize their benefits to their full extent:
Send out vacation reminders. An easy way for employers to encourage use of PTO is to send reminders to employees with unused days to take advantage of their paid time off.
Consider implementing a mandatory time off policy. Mandatory time off policies require employees to take a certain amount of time away from the office, allowing them the benefits without feelings of guilt or fear about job security that may accompany taking time away. 31% of employees report that mandatory time off is a top benefit offered by employers.
Redefine “vacation” and share local resources. Vacations do not have to be exotic getaways to faraway places. Staycations offer employees many of the same benefits of time away from the office. We are fortunate that the Cincinnati region has so much to offer! Explore our vibrant region with resources from our partners at Visit Cincy and Cincinnati Experience.
If you are looking to revise your time off policies or other benefits to your employees, let us know! We are happy to help you offer the best policies to support employees and ensure that they are their best selves.
Workforce Innovation Center partner the Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio, released the "State of Black Cincinnati: The Journey to Parity" on June 19th. This is an important report, clearly outlining progress made since the ULGSO’s first report in 2015 and identifying ongoing disparities that require a collaborative approach by all to create true parity in our region. The full report is available online – read it and find ways that you might engage in the work to achieve equity.
Are you a member of Gen-Z (born between 1997-2012)? Are you an active member of the workforce in Cincinnati? Do you hold a specialized trade certificate/credential or are you working towards one? Are you passionate about improving workplaces in the region?
If so, we want to hear from you! Give us your opinions and we will give you a $25 gift card!
We are looking for participants in three upcoming discussion groups to learn more about Gen Z’s perspective on careers and work. Your voice will help inform a white paper that will educate employers on the unique work contributions and expectations of Gen Z. Some topics we are seeking your opinion on may include:
How do you view your work life and career over the next 10-20 years?
When you were looking for employment, what factors were the most/least important in your decision-making process?
What benefits, perks, workplace culture, etc. are you looking for from a company?
How do you feel about the Cincinnati Region? What has made you stay here?
No opinions are wrong – we want to hear it all! The three sessions will take place in Mid-July and Early-August. Parking will be free, and dinner will be provided along with a $25 gift card. So, if you’re available and interested, please fill out this form.
Please feel free to forward this to your friends and colleagues. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to meeting with you!
Hamilton County One Stop Event | Justice Center Downtown | June 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Hamilton County One Stop Resource Center eliminates barriers for individuals seeking jobs and working to advance their lives. Once a month, the One Stop hosts an event where individuals can access resources and explore new job opportunities. They are looking for Employers who are willing to take applications from participants and consider hiring them to join their team! Interested? Contact Trina Jackson, Director, Hamilton County Office of Reentry to learn more and participate.
Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Recruitment Event | Cincinnati State | July 15, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Pursue this in-demand career and meet with representatives from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Mercy Health, and UC Health. As an apprentice, you'll work with a mentor four days a week in a physician practice while completing in-person and online learning each week over the first 6 months – all while being paid, having your tuition covered by the employer, and becoming a Certified Medical Assitant upon completion. The next apprenticeship cohort starts in September, so register for this event now to learn more and get started!
2024 Fifth Third Bank Diversity Leadership Symposium
The 2024 Fifth Third Bank Diversity Leadership Symposium – the Cincinnati region's largest annual business gathering focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – will be held on Wednesday, December 11 from 8 a.m. to noon at Music Hall. This year's theme is "Growing Together: Cultural Vibrancy & Belonging" and we couldn't be more excited about how the program is shaping up.
This year's keynote speaker is Emmy-Award winning sportscaster MJ Acosta-Ruiz, the host of NFL Total Access, NFL Network's signature show. MJ became the solo host of NFL Total Access in September of 2020, and in doing so became the first Afro-Latina to host a show on NFL Network.
Please join us as we highlight important and relevant topics that will help build your workplace – and the Cincinnati region – as a welcoming place where everyone belongs.
