Once upon a time, unlimited paid time off was the workplace equivalent of a first-class upgrade—flashy, exclusive, and everyone wanted in. It signaled a progressive, trust-based culture where employees could unplug and recharge at will. It was the benefit—the one sure to catch the eye of exceptional talent.

Fast forward to 2025, and that once-coveted perk is starting to feel more like a mirage: enticing from afar but far less impressive up close. Sure, it sounds generous. “Take all the time you need,” they say. What they don’t say is, “...as long as you’re reachable, available for meetings, and still hitting your KPIs while you’re poolside.”

Spoiler alert: that’s not a vacation.

Let’s start with a bold statement: Money talks. And in business, it yells, waves its arms, and occasionally flips a table. While it’s true that great company culture, career growth, and unlimited PTO matter, let’s not kid ourselves—compensation is the foundation of any job offer. Try paying your rent with "good vibes" and see how far that gets you.

Retention has always been a top concern for business leaders, but in 2025, the challenge seems more daunting than ever. Half of your workforce is just one irresistible job offer away from heading for the exit, and 57% of employees believe now is the time to explore new opportunities. It's enough to make any leader wonder if they're running a company or a revolving door. So, what's going wrong? And how can you fix it before you have to start turning the conference room into an employee farewell party venue?

The very same employees who go along with every decision you make, no matter how hare-brained, are suffocating innovation, stifling creativity, and quietly ushering your best talent to the door. So, if your team isn't calling you out, it's time to ask yourself—why not?