28 Paid Days Off from Work in 2025? Maximize Your PTO in 2025. I’m going to tell you how.

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28 paid days off from work in 2025? Yes, it's possible.

Victoria Purser, @therealvpofhr 11.12.24

Hello, HR pros! I’m Victoria Purser—though you might know me as @therealvpofhr on social media. I’m a seasoned HR strategist, a straight-shooter, and I keep it real because, honestly, who has time for fluff? My mission? Helping HR professionals like you navigate the chaos, avoid burnout, and build a balanced career that leaves you actually enjoying your time off.

Today, I’m sharing some serious tips on how to maximize your PTO in 2025. If you’re tired of running on empty and want to start working smarter, this post is for you. PTO isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a vital tool to recharge, refocus, and, quite frankly, get back a little bit of your life. Let’s dive into some PTO strategies that put you back in control of your schedule and help you make the most out of every hard-earned day off. Trust me, 2025 is going to be the year we do PTO right.

28 Paid Days Off in 2025? Breaking News 11.12.24 with Victoria Purser | @therealvpofhr (#hrhumor)

With November here, now’s the time to start thinking about your 2025 time-off requests. Aligning PTO with key holidays and leveraging any additional paid days can help you create more fulfilling breaks and achieve the work-life harmony you deserve. Here are some PTO pro-tips to help you take control of your schedule and make 2025 your best year yet.

Why Planning Your PTO Early Matters

  • Claim Your Preferred Days First: Submitting PTO requests early allows you to secure popular dates around holidays, giving you a calendar tailored to your needs instead of settling for what’s left.
  • Avoid Burnout and Boost Productivity: Strategic breaks across the year can work wonders for your well-being. By pacing your time off, you can maintain steady energy and focus, avoiding the burnout that comes with pushing too hard.
  • Use Fewer PTO Days for Longer Breaks: Plan around holidays to maximize extended breaks with minimal PTO use. This approach allows you to enjoy more days off without depleting your PTO balance.
  • Make More Time for What Matters: Whether it’s quality time with loved ones or well-deserved “me time,” planning your PTO around holidays and other paid days allows you to make the most of every moment.

Want more tips like this? Join our upcoming ConquerHR sessions where we cover essential strategies to elevate your HR career. From maximizing PTO to navigating workplace challenges, we’re here to support your professional journey.

Extra Paid Days to Use Strategically in 2025

Many companies now offer additional paid days for occasions like birthdays, work anniversaries, and mental health. Here’s how to make the most of these perks:

  • Birthday Day Off: If your birthday falls near a holiday weekend, consider adding it to a Friday or Tuesday for an extra-long break. For example, pairing it with Memorial Day can create a restful four-day weekend.
  • Work Anniversary Day Off: Like your birthday day, pairing this with a holiday weekend like Labor Day or Columbus Day can help you stretch your time off further.
  • Mental Health Days: For companies offering wellness days, these can be perfect for mid-year breaks. Plan them around long weekends to keep up your energy and focus.

By creatively using these extra days, you can extend your breaks without drawing on valuable PTO.

How to Maximize 2025’s Holidays with Strategic PTO

Here’s a breakdown of 2025’s major holidays and tips on structuring your PTO around them for optimal time off:

  • New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 20
  • Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 17
  • Memorial Day – Monday, May 26
  • Juneteenth – Thursday, June 19
  • Independence Day – Friday, July 4
  • Labor Day – Monday, September 1
  • Columbus Day (Indigenous Peoples’ Day) – Monday, October 13
  • Veterans Day – Tuesday, November 11
  • Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 27
  • Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25

For each holiday, consider taking adjacent days to create longer breaks with fewer PTO days used.

Final Tips to Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet

  • Request Your Days Now: Secure your preferred dates early, especially around high-demand holidays, to ensure a year that aligns with your ideal schedule.
  • Coordinate with Colleagues: Collaborate with your team to cover each other’s time off, ensuring everyone can enjoy their breaks without added stress.
  • Take Advantage of Flexibility: If possible, explore options like half-days or remote work around your selected dates to maximize your time off.

For more actionable career insights, join ConquerHR’s community events and training sessions, where we explore the latest HR best practices and strategies for work-life balance. Don’t miss HRLearns HR Vision 25 Kickoff this Wednesday or HR Festivus ( FREE!) on December 11th—two perfect opportunities to connect, learn, and recharge with fellow HR professionals! This is the workshop you’ve been looking for. Tight schedule Wednesday? No worries. Register to attend the live class, and you will receive access to recordings from the live workshop and all learning resources. We will leave no HR pro behind! Join Suzanne Lucas and me on Wednesday, and let’s learn and grow together.

By planning ahead and making full use of holidays, extra paid days, and strategic PTO, you’re setting yourself up for a balanced, restful 2025. Connect with me on social at @therealvpofhr for more HR tips, and let’s make the most of the year ahead together!

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