PTO and Remote Work - Your Complete Guide
Navigate PTO as a remote employee. Understand how work-from-home affects your time off rights, which state laws apply, and best practices for actually disconnecting.
Does Remote Work Change PTO?
Your PTO entitlement shouldn't change based on work location. Remote employees receive the same benefits as office workers. However, some companies have adapted policies for remote-specific needs.
State Law Considerations
For remote workers, the state where you work (typically your home) often determines which PTO laws apply. If you live in California but your company is in Texas, California law likely applies to you.
Taking PTO as a Remote Worker
Best practices: Set clear out-of-office messages. Hand off urgent work. Don't check email while on PTO. Make your absence visible (even virtually). Actually disconnect—working from home makes this harder.
Workcations and Flexibility
Some remote workers take "workcations"—working from vacation spots. This isn't PTO, so use actual PTO for rest. Blurring lines between work and vacation can lead to burnout.