Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the cultural pressures and emotional burdens associated with taking leave in the workplace, highlighting how employees often feel guilty or anxious about requesting time off, despite having the right to do so [4][39]. Group 1: Leave Policies and Employee Experiences - Many companies have formal leave policies that include various types of leave, yet employees often hesitate to utilize them due to fear of judgment or creating inconvenience for others [5][38]. - Employees report feeling a sense of shame or guilt when considering taking leave, which is often rooted in a workplace culture that equates presence with loyalty and dedication [39][40]. Group 2: Individual Stories of Leave Requests - A retail brand operations manager, despite having vacation days available, refrains from taking leave due to ongoing project pressures and the fear of leaving tasks uncompleted [7][8]. - A UI designer at a startup experiences discomfort after taking a legally entitled menstrual leave, feeling exposed and judged by colleagues, leading her to avoid taking such leave in the future [10][12]. - A client manager in an advertising firm meticulously prepares for her wedding leave but ends up working during her wedding due to client demands, illustrating the difficulty of truly disconnecting from work [15][20]. Group 3: The Illusion of Time Off - A training specialist in a fast-moving consumer goods company finds that taking time off requires extensive preparation and often results in continued work obligations, undermining the purpose of the leave [24][29]. - An editor experiences health issues but feels compelled to work through them, reflecting a broader issue where employees feel they must justify their need for leave [30][36]. Group 4: Cultural Implications and Solutions - The article emphasizes that the stigma around taking leave is a product of a low-security workplace culture, where employees feel they must constantly prove their commitment [39]. - It suggests that addressing this issue requires a cultural shift within organizations to foster an environment where taking leave is seen as a normal and necessary part of maintaining work-life balance [39][40].

Core Insights - The article discusses the cultural pressures surrounding taking leave in the workplace, highlighting how employees often feel guilty or anxious about requesting time off, despite having the right to do so [1][19][20] - It emphasizes that the issue is not just about the formal policies regarding leave, but rather the underlying workplace culture that creates a sense of shame and obligation to always be present [19][20][21] Group 1: Employee Experiences - Many employees feel that taking leave is akin to a "workplace gamble," where they worry about the implications of their absence on colleagues and projects [1][19] - Employees report feeling pressured to remain available even during personal time, leading to a lack of genuine rest and relaxation [3][4][12][13] - The fear of being perceived as irresponsible or uncommitted often prevents employees from taking their entitled leave [19][20] Group 2: Cultural Implications - The article highlights a pervasive "low safety culture" in workplaces, where employees feel they must justify their need for leave and worry about the potential negative perceptions from peers and supervisors [19][20] - It suggests that this culture of guilt and self-doubt is a collective issue that requires a shift in organizational attitudes towards trust and responsibility [20][21] - The need for a supportive environment where employees can feel secure in taking leave without fear of judgment is emphasized as crucial for maintaining work-life balance [20][21]