Colorado Physician Health Program’s Post

Social workers: your PTO is there for a reason! Taking time off isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for showing up as your best self. We spend so much time caring for others—let’s remember to care for ourselves too. Whether it’s a day to rest, recharge, or do something you love, self-care is a priority, not an afterthought. Use your PTO. Your well-being matters! 🧡 #SocialWork #SelfCare #PTO #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance Here are five ways to prioritize your self-care:

A strong PTO plan can boost well-being and productivity. Every great PTO policy should have flexible leave options, mental health days, transparent guidelines, and accessible information. How does your PTO policy stack up? #PTO #EmployeeBenefits #WorkLifeBalance https://lnkd.in/gakxG8J3

A strong PTO plan can boost well-being and productivity. Every great PTO policy should have flexible leave options, mental health days, transparent guidelines, and accessible information. How does your PTO policy stack up? #PTO #EmployeeBenefits #WorkLifeBalance https://lnkd.in/eqrdym_t

"I'll be on PTO with no access to email..." 🤨 A quick language gripe (if you're willing to hear out a neurotic #comms lady for a moment). ⤵ I'm a word person, so I pay attention to word choice. I'm also neurodivergent, which means I am quite a literal person. So when I see the customary out-of-office message that says, "I am on PTO and have *no access* to email...", I am mildly bothered because my brain reads it as a lie or an excuse. 🤪 Hear me out. I am as supportive of uninterrupted PTO as the next gal. In fact, I am ALL for shutting down email and not opening your laptop for your entire trip. That's the point of time off! 😱 BUT WHERE ARE YOU IN THE WORLD THAT THERE IS NO INTERNET!? (I know there are places that don't have internet access and if you are in one of those places, I want to know because it sounds exciting and exotic.) Rather than send an email fibbing about why you aren't replying—with the myth of *no internet access*—just tell people the truth: You're on PTO and you're not reading your emails! I find that a simple "I'm on vacation and having a great time, so I'm not checking emails" does the trick. Plus it's authentic and honest. 🏖️ But this does beg the question: what compels us to tell people that we are so remote that we're entirely unreachable? Is that the only way to get people to respect our PTO boundaries? I'm not hating on anyone, truly. I realize that it's customary for us to use the "no access" line in emails. I also know there are some times when people really don't have access to the internet (I just find it hard to believe it's *everyone* who goes on vacation, *every time* they are on vacation). We should normalize respecting PTO boundaries without people having to demand them / defend them. ## ❓So, enlighten me: are you an "I have no access to email" kind of OOO person? ❓Have you come up with a different OOO message that allows people to respect your PTO boundaries? (Or do you think this is a totally unhinged gripe by an overthinking #communications person?)

Take your PTO. When my direct reports would ask me permission to take PTO I’d immediately correct them and tell them to say “Hey Farah, I’m taking PTO from this date to this date.” I’d ask them if they had someone to cover for them while they were away & if they didn’t then I’d help them. As someone who’s had their fair share of toxic bosses I know how important taking PTO is for physical & mental health. You are the most important person in your world. Take your PTO. #workmemes

Everyone is talking about quiet vacationing right now but what about quiet sick time? It’s tough balancing work and raising tiny humans. One challenge we moms inevitably face is dipping into sick time for our kids, not ourselves. Dealing with unexpected doctor visits, sickness, school closures, and inching to the bottom of your PTO bucket is scary. And let’s face it, there’s an a-hole manager who will: • Pass you over for promotions • Micromanage your time • Take you off of projects to “spare you” • Give out exciting tasks to more available peers • Perceive you as unreliable Unfortuantely, we can’t even bank on leaders with children to have our backs. Introducing the concept of "Quiet Sick Time." Just like quiet vacationing, quiet sick time is about managing responsibilities without drawing attention to your parenting status. This is a sad unnecessary reality for parents trying to protect their families and careers. Moms, and parents, have so much to offer but are often limited after growing their families. Let’s normalize praise for performance, not punishment for parenting. Tag a manager who has always had your parenting-back! #WorkingMoms #MomsAtWork #WorkLifeBalance #TheParentingProblem

🌟What I Truly Appreciate When I'm on Sick Leave: Support Beyond Policies🌟 Taking time off for illness 🤒 is never easy, but being part of House Of GKB has shown me what true support looks like. It's not just about the leave days — it's about the care, empathy, and understanding I receive. Here’s what makes all the difference for me: 💎 Empathy Over Formalities It’s never just about approving my leave ✅. The genuine "Get well soon" 🫂 from my team and the thoughtful messages 💌 make me feel valued as a person, not just as an employee. That human connection means the world to me. 💎Flexible Recovery Time One thing I’m truly grateful for is that there’s no rush 🏃♂️. I’m given the space to recover fully 🛌 without any pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines 🗓️. Knowing that my health comes first 💪 gives me peace of mind. 💎Clear, Compassionate Communication   Even while I’m away, communication is there 💬, but it never feels like a burden. Whether it’s a quick check-in or a thoughtful update 📲, I feel supported, not stressed 🤝, which makes a huge difference during recovery. 💎Supportive Team Spirit The community we’ve built at House Of GKB which is #GTribe is amazing 💖. My colleagues are always ready to step in 📝, offering their help and sending encouraging words 💐. I never feel alone or overwhelmed 🌈 when I’m away. 💎Mental Health Matters It’s not just about physical health 🏥 here — mental health 🧠 is equally prioritized. I’m supported holistically 🌿, which means I can focus on both my body and mind while recovering. 💎Emotional & Moral Support Most importantly, it's not just about getting leave 🗒️ — I’m consistently receiving the emotional and moral support 💞 that’s so necessary in today’s world 🌍. This genuine care 🤗 from my organization helps me through tough times and reminds me that I’m truly valued. 💡 Knowing that I’m part of an organization that cares deeply about both my mental and physical well-being 🧘♀️🏋️♂️ is what keeps me motivated and loyal. #GTribe continue to offer the kind of support that goes far beyond policies — and I’m grateful to be a part of it. Has your organization made a difference for you during sick leave? 🤔 I’d love to hear your stories! 📝 #WorkCulture #EmployeeSupport #SickLeave #CorporateCulture #Leadership

How to Navigate Unlimited PTO: Quit or Fade Away from Work? Answers: https://lnkd.in/g4xaY_w3 #UnlimitedPTO #WorkLifeBalance #CareerAdvice Hey everyone! 🌟 I’m in a bit of a pickle and could really use your thoughts on this. I’m currently on an unlimited PTO policy, and I’m contemplating my next steps. 🔍 Here’s what’s on my mind: Should I formally quit my position? Or is it better to just fade away until they decide to let me go? To be honest, it feels a bit daunting, and I'm unsure of the best route. It’s definitely tempting to take the easy way out, but I’m also considering the professional repercussions. 🤔 💭 Here’s what I'm thinking: Clarity: Quitting formally keeps things professional and opens the door for a potential positive reference in the future. Reputation: Disappearing could harm my reputation within the company and industry. Mental Health: Taking a break with unlimited PTO is one thing, but just disappearing might lead to more stress. What do you all think? Have you ever faced a similar situation with unlimited PTO or any other scenario that made you question whether to quit formally or just move on quietly? 🙌 I’d love to hear yo...

How to Navigate Unlimited PTO: Quit or Fade Away from Work? Answers: https://lnkd.in/g3yuHdkg #UnlimitedPTO #WorkLifeBalance #CareerAdvice Hey everyone! 🌟 I’m in a bit of a pickle and could really use your thoughts on this. I’m currently on an unlimited PTO policy, and I’m contemplating my next steps. 🔍 Here’s what’s on my mind: Should I formally quit my position? Or is it better to just fade away until they decide to let me go? To be honest, it feels a bit daunting, and I'm unsure of the best route. It’s definitely tempting to take the easy way out, but I’m also considering the professional repercussions. 🤔 💭 Here’s what I'm thinking: Clarity: Quitting formally keeps things professional and opens the door for a potential positive reference in the future. Reputation: Disappearing could harm my reputation within the company and industry. Mental Health: Taking a break with unlimited PTO is one thing, but just disappearing might lead to more stress. What do you all think? Have you ever faced a similar situation with unlimited PTO or any other scenario that made you question whether to quit formally or just move on quietly? 🙌 I’d love to hear yo...

Take your PTO. Let's be honest—it's tempting to save up all that paid time off "just in case." But using your PTO isn’t just a perk; it’s essential to your productivity, mental health, and creativity. Taking a real break can actually make you a better worker. Studies show time off helps reduce burnout, improve focus, and boost your problem-solving skills when you return to the office. So, don’t feel guilty about it—your mind and body need that recharge! Whether you’re planning a trip, a staycation, or just need a few days to catch up on sleep, take your PTO. You’ve earned it! ✈️🏖️📖 #leadwithkindness #takeyourpto #bestadvice