unlimited PTO

Definition

A vacation policy with no set limit on days off, theoretically giving employees freedom but often resulting in people taking less time off due to guilt and unclear boundaries. It's Schrödinger's benefit—simultaneously generous and stingy.

Example Usage

We switched to unlimited PTO, and somehow everyone now takes fewer vacation days because no one wants to look like they're abusing the policy.

Origin

Popularized by tech companies in the 2010s, particularly startups

Fun Fact

Companies love unlimited PTO because they don't have to pay out accrued vacation when employees leave, saving millions while appearing progressive.

Source: Benefits and time-off policy terminology

Related Terms

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terminate

The corporate euphemism for firing someone, borrowed from the Terminator franchise to make HR sound more badass than they actually are. Can mean to end anything incompletely, but let's be honest—in business contexts, it's the word your manager uses right before security escorts you out. Also works for killing things, which really doesn't help its workplace PR.

👥 Human Resources

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Benefits Package

The collection of non-salary perks a company offers to make you forget that the salary itself is underwhelming. It typically includes health insurance you can't afford to use, a 401k match that vests in 2047, and free coffee that tastes like regret.

👥 Human Resources

Intermediate

tour of duty

A fixed-term employment approach where both employer and employee commit to a specific project or time period with clear expectations and an endpoint. Think of it as a mission-based relationship rather than 'til death (or layoffs) do us part.

👥 Human Resources

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exempt employee

Workers classified as exempt from overtime requirements under FLSA, typically salaried professionals who can work 60 hours and get paid for 40. The 'promotion' that actually decreases your hourly wage.

👥 Human Resources

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horizontal organization

A flat organizational structure minimizing management layers and hierarchical levels, theoretically empowering employees and speeding decisions. In reality, it often just means unclear accountability and decision paralysis.

👥 Human Resources

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merit increase

A salary raise based on individual performance rather than cost-of-living adjustments or tenure. It's the carrot companies dangle to make you work harder, usually sized more like a baby carrot than a normal one.

👥 Human Resources

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