Paid Time Off and Job Satisfaction: A Longitudinal Analysis of Mid-Career Employees

Job dissatisfaction is a significant correlate with adverse business outcomes. This study aims to determine whether and to what extent paid time off is related to job satisfaction. Furthermore, we seek to understand how gender impacts this relationship. Research Design and Approach: A representative sample of US adults (N = 7297) born between 1980 and 1984 surveyed via the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 was analyzed for a 17-year period before the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression and fixed effects modeling, along with 17 demographic and employment-related controls, identified significant relationships. Findings: Results suggest 6 to 10 paid time off days is related to significantly increased job satisfaction for male workers. In contrast, 11 or more paid time off days are needed to observe a statistically significant increase in job satisfaction for all workers and female employees.