Category: Brandpoint

2024-10-01T12:01:00

(BPT) – What’s holding you back from buying an electric vehicle? You’ve likely heard a lot of myths and misconceptions about electric vehicle ownership, especially when it comes to how you fill it up. However, the truth is that charging an electric vehicle can be simple, convenient and cost-effective.

If you’re on the fence about making the switch, check out these three fueling myths. With this knowledge, you can separate fact from fiction and make an informed decision about your next vehicle.

Myth #1: You can only charge an electric vehicle at a public charging station.

Depending on where you live, you may be concerned about finding public charging stations. However, the reality is that the majority of electric vehicle owners fill up at home. According to a new Ford survey, 88% of electric vehicle owners across the country prefer the convenience and savings of filling up at home with electricity and rarely charge publicly.

If you’re concerned that filling up at home will be complicated, don’t sweat it. The survey also found that 92% of current electric vehicle owners find filling up at home as easy as plugging in their phone. Once you have a charging station installed in your garage, you can plug in your car at night and wake up to a full tank!

Myth #2: A single charge won’t get you where you need to go.

Early electric vehicles were limited by range, but newer models have more than enough fuel to get you to and from work, school, the grocery store and more. For example, Ford offers electric trucks and SUVs with over 300 miles of range.

If you’re skeptical whether that’s enough to get you around town, consider this: According to Ford, the average vehicle in America travels more than 150 miles in a day just four times per year. So, if you are planning a longer trip, you might have to stop at a public charging station, but you’ll have more than enough for your daily drive on a single charge.

Myth #3: Charging an electric vehicle is expensive.

Filling up with electricity is often more cost-effective than filling up with a tank of gas. In fact, Consumer Reports found that electric vehicle owners spend 60% less to fill up compared to traditional gas-powered cars.

Why? Electricity prices are typically lower than gas prices. Also, electricity prices are more stable than gas prices. As an electric vehicle owner, not only will you avoid weekly or monthly trips to the gas station, but you’ll also avoid the sticker shock of fluctuating gas prices.

Go electric with confidence

Are you ready to go electric? If so, check out the new Ford Power Promise.

Ford wants to make electric vehicle ownership easier by directly supporting owners and car shoppers in the areas that matter most, starting with the most important — charging. For a limited time, Ford is offering a complimentary home charger and standard installation, so you can switch to an electric vehicle with confidence. Simply plug in at night, just like you do with your phone, and wake up with a full tank.

The Ford Power Promise also includes:

• Ongoing support and guidance: With 24/7 electric vehicle support and roadside assistance with proactive charging support, Ford has your back.
• On-the-road charging: Ford makes charging on the road easy, now with access to more than 15,000 designated Tesla Superchargers with the available Fast Charging Adapter.
• Battery confidence: Ford offers an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty on its electric vehicle batteries.

To learn more about Ford electric vehicles and the Ford Power Promise, visit FordPowerPromise.com.

2024-10-01T14:21:00

(BPT) – When you’re in the market for a new appliance for your home, the choices can seem overwhelming. How do you know which features to look for, and what brands will be the most reliable? The last thing you want is to make a big purchase, only to end up with an appliance that doesn’t work well or that needs that needs constant repairs costing an average of $300-$500.¹

LG, who is known for their reliability, was recently named the #1 appliance brand in the U.S. according to OpenBrand² and offers top-of-the-line appliances that you can count on. Here’s a look at some of the most recommended appliances from LG to help you make more informed decisions for your home.

LG LSEL6331F Range

This high-performance range has a cooktop that features two high-power elements and two low-power ones — so it can not only bring water to a near-boil quickly but also simmer your tomato sauce steadily without scalding it. Its spacious oven excels at baking and delivers an even broil, too. The range can connect to the Wi-Fi in your home, so you can access smart controls via LG’s ThinQ^® app on your phone.

LG LDE4413ST Range

This Wi-Fi-enabled range costs nearly $1,000 less than some of its competitors, but it still has strong marks across the board. The cooktop has two high-powered elements and two low-powered elements, plus a warming element. The roomy oven earns a solid rating for baking, and it offers convection mode. It also does a great job with self-cleaning.

LG WM5500HWA Washer and LG DLGX5501W Dryer

LG consistently stands out for providing the most well-liked full-sized washers and electric dryers, like this pair offered in white or graphite steel. For both the washer and dryer, built-in intelligence thanks to AI technology selects the optimal wash or dry settings for you, taking the guesswork out of doing your laundry. You’ll also be able to access smart functions of both appliances through their ThinQ^® app.

The LG WM5500HWA 4.5 cubic foot Ultra Large Capacity washer lets you clean larger loads, with TurboWash^® 360° Technology to power clean big loads in under 30 minutes — which helps explain why this model is ENERGY STAR^® certified for an efficient clean that saves on water and energy. Even better, it’s Allergy and Asthma Friendly certified by the AAFA with its Allergiene^® Cycle, using the power of steam to deep clean your wash.

You can dry your clothes smarter, too. With the LGDLGX5501W 7.4 cubic foot Ultra Large Capacity dryer, you’ll be able to clean larger loads, as well as refresh clothes in between washes thanks to TurboSteam.™ You can rest easy knowing your dryer is clean, efficient and safe due to the FlowSense^® Duct Clogging and Lint Filter Indicators, and the LCD Digital Dial Control with LED Display provides helpful information with each turn of the dial.

For budget-conscious consumers, you might also consider their DLEX4000W or DLEX4200W, two similar but more affordable 7.4-cubic-foot capacity electric dryers.

LG WM3900HWA Washing Machine and LG WM3400CW Washing Machine

Front load washers from LG provide reliability, performance and efficiency. The WM3900HWA model has a cycle time of 85 minutes, while the WM3400CW’s cycle time is 105 minutes. Both models offer excellent water efficiency, gentler cycles and reduced noise and vibrations. They both come with a one-year warranty.

LG LRDCS2603S Refrigerator

This top-notch 33-inch-wide bottom-freezer refrigerator excels in thermostat control and temperature uniformity. It also boasts very good scores for ease of use, energy efficiency and low noise output, making it a strong contender in its category. The fridge is equipped with an icemaker, built-in water filter and digital controls. This model is a reliable, high-performing choice for those in the market for a bottom-freezer refrigerator.

Are you ready to find the next reliable appliance for your home? You can feel confident in your purchase with LG home appliances. Learn more at LG.com/us/reliable-home-appliances.

1) Based on cost of LG’s out of warranty repair services in 2023

2) #1 Appliance Brand in the U.S. | Source: OpenBrand Durable IQ, Major Appliances (AHAM Core 6) Q2 2024

2024-10-01T09:31:00

(BPT) – By Christian Lau and Gene Perkins

October marks the beginning of Financial Planning Month, bringing attention to an important issue in the lives of many individuals and their families. Unfortunately, when it comes to finances a majority of Americans do not have a cohesive plan in place — recent data suggests that only about 36% of the population has any sort of written financial plan. This is completely understandable — many are intimidated by the idea of tackling a stressful and sensitive issue head-on, and even more have no idea where or how to start the process.

The good news is that it’s never too late to start building a financial plan. And with the end of the year approaching, now is an ideal time to take stock of your financial situation and take steps to mapping out a more successful financial future.

To help get you on track, here are a few things to consider when creating a financial plan.

• Take it One Small Step at a Time. Financial planning is like any other project — getting started is often the hardest part. Rather than considering the entire planning process all at once, which can be extremely daunting, break it down into small, achievable steps. For example, start by making a simple list of your short- and long-term financial goals. Then consider what basic actions you need to take — such as saving and budgeting — to arrive at those goals. Don’t worry about tracking down years of receipts and tax forms. Those more advanced actions can be determined at a later point in the process and with the guidance of a professional.
• Consider Your Household Balance Sheet. Once you have made an initial list of your short- and long-term goals, go a little deeper and consider your household “balance sheet.” This includes a slightly more detailed picture of income and expenditures; assets and liabilities; investments; and tax/titling considerations. Issues like estate taxes and family businesses may be included as part of this process.
• Create a Cash Flow Analysis. After the household balance sheet has been created, a more granular cash flow analysis can help identify if you are overspending and need to put more money into savings or retirement accounts to meet your financial goals. Cash flow analysis is an especially important part of planning for a major purchase (home, car, college) or life transition, such as graduation, parenthood or retirement.
• Consider a Financial Professional. Gone are the days when stockbrokers, advisors, and wealth managers were the domain of the elite and ultra-wealthy. Financial professionals nowadays are abundant, diverse, and ready to step in and help you get a plan together. What’s more, finding a qualified advisor that is suited to your unique situation has never been easier. There are subsets of professionals who specialize in specific disciplines — such as education, trusts and retirement planning — as well as professionals who serve specific demographic needs (elderly, single parents, young professionals and more). Start in your own network; ask friends, family members, and work colleagues if they have an advisor they would recommend.

Life can be unpredictable, but your financial future doesn’t have to be. This Financial Planning Month, take the opportunity to review your finances and goals with a trusted advisor. Now is the time to take that first step toward a more secure financial future. Reach out to Synovus to get started and to gain peace of mind.

Christian Lau is a Senior Financial Planner at Synovus Securities, Inc.

Gene Perkins is the Head of Private Wealth at Synovus Bank.

Disclosures:

Investment products and services provided by Synovus are offered through Synovus Securities, Inc. (“SSI”), Synovus Trust Company, N.A. (“STC”) and Creative Financial Group, a division of SSI. Trust services for Synovus are provided by Synovus Trust Company, N.A. The registered broker-dealer offering brokerage products for Synovus is Synovus Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC and an SEC Registered Advisor. Investment products and services are not FDIC insured, are not deposits of or other obligations of Synovus Bank, are not guaranteed by Synovus Bank and involve investment risk, including possible loss of principal amount invested.

Synovus Securities, Inc. is a subsidiary of Synovus Financial Corp and an affiliate of Synovus Bank and Synovus Trust. Synovus Trust Company, N.A. is a subsidiary of Synovus Bank.

Synovus Bank, Member FDIC.

2024-10-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you want to explore the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of unique cultures and landscapes up close and personal? If so, you might be attracted to “adventure” or “active” travel. However, those terms may conjure images of bungee jumping off a bridge or ziplining through a jungle, which might not be your style.

To help you sort the myths from the reality, the experts at Explore Worldwide explain the difference between your image of adventure travel compared to what they offer — small guided group tours that support you as you hike, bike or gently stroll your way through extraordinary destinations while soaking up the local culture for immersive travel experiences.

Myth 1: Adventure travel is dangerous. Booking with a reputable tour operator ensures a high standard of safety and security. Traveling in a group enhances your security, while your local leader who’s familiar with the destination, fluent in the language and focused on ensuring the well-being of the group further bolsters your safety during the experience.

You’ll have the best of both worlds — a safe tour experience that allows you to explore one-of-a-kind environments like this one:

Hiking Turkey’s Lycian Way: On this one-week walking trip, you’ll hike Turkey’s picturesque Lycian Way, including scenic coastal trails between little-visited ancient ruins and villages nestled in peaceful valleys and on tranquil beaches. Along the way, you’ll soak up traditional Turkish hospitality as you stop by teahouses and rest in rural village guesthouses.

Myth 2: Adventure travel is only for the young and fit. To find travel that best suits your abilities, look for a company that provides clearly graded levels of activity. Explore Worldwide caters to a diverse group of travelers, with an average age of 57, and their tours range from gentle sightseeing where you might spend the week exploring museums and locally owned farms all the way to more intense treks where your week is focused on summiting a mountain. All their trips are carefully graded so you can choose the level of intensity that’s right for you — relaxed, moderate or full-on, depending on your preference and ability.

For example, cycling trips are graded from Easy (typically flat, leisurely rides) to Challenging (hillier and longer routes). Most cycling tours are graded from Easy to Moderate, but keener cyclists can find some Challenging tours. Cyclists may enjoy:

Cycle the Dalmatian Coast: Breeze along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast on this one-week biking tour. You’ll pedal your way from Split to Dubrovnik, taking in ancient sites, medieval towns and fishing villages as you island-hop Croatia’s iconic coast. Pit stops will be planned at local wineries, stunning beaches and of course traditional restaurants to refuel on tasty grub.

Myth 3: You have to rough it. Enjoying an immersive experience in another culture doesn’t have to mean sleeping rough and skipping showers. Explore Worldwide provides clean, comfortable accommodations for all of their tours, along with the opportunity for a ‘softer landing’ through their new collection of Upgraded trips, ensuring an enhanced comfort level for travelers, like this one:

Upgraded — Discover Morocco: An adventure spanning Morocco’s stunningly diverse landscapes awaits. Starting from Rabat, with its easygoing seaside feel, explore the delights of Fes, visit ancient Roman ruins, sample fine Moroccan wines and watch the Jemaa el-Fna marketplace come to life in Marrakech.

Myth 4: You need to be an expert. With over 40 years of experience, Explore Worldwide staff are the experts, so you don’t have to be! All their tour leaders are either locals from the country you’re visiting, or on the more active hiking and cycling trips, are seasoned experts in their field. Their experts allow you to visit places you may not have considered tackling on your own, such as:

Historic Baltic Republics: This 15-day tour entices travelers with its fairytale-like charm during guided walking tours of historic capitals like Tallinn in Estonia. You’ll explore the drifting sand dunes of Curonian Spit National Park, and pause to appreciate the beauty of baroque architecture.

Myth 5: You need a lot of time. Many incredible experiences with Explore Worldwide await you within just one week, such as Walking the Amalfi Coast or exploring the Highlights of Costa Rica. On average, their most popular trips span between 8-10 days, and they’re perfectly crafted to maximize your adventure within that timeframe. You might also love:

Amalfi Coast Walking — Agriturismo: The Amalfi coast boasts postcard-perfect seaside towns and lush rural landscapes. You’ll walk the ancient stone stairways, limestone cliff paths and old mule tracks that link Campania’s picturesque villages, and discover Italian treasures from Ravello to Positano and Capri. After your day’s walk, relax and enjoy organic wine and farm-to-table food at a rustic agriturismo for a taste of Italian family life.

Myth 6: You must visit remote locations. While Explore Worldwide does feature many lesser-known destinations, their most popular trips are located within Europe. These offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy iconic sights while also venturing off the beaten path, providing a perfect blend of famous attractions and hidden gems. For example:

Highlights of Mont Blanc: Adventurers on this eight-day tour through France will view the awe-inspiring Alpine peaks and snowy glaciers on treks through landscapes like the stunning Chamonix Valley, and sections of the famed Tour du Mont Blanc — the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe.

Myth 7: Adventure travel is too expensive. This is not always the case. For example, Explore Worldwide tours offer excellent value for the money, and optional activities and meals allow travelers to have more control over their budget while in each destination. Additionally, when booking with an operator, essential services such as local leaders and guides are shared across the group, making them more affordable when compared to arranging these services privately. Group travel can be especially helpful in locations that might be costlier traveling alone, and where there’s a language barrier:

Simply Japan: Visitors will experience a fascinating mix of modern and ancient Japan on a 14-day tour. You’ll witness a fire ceremony at Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji Temple, and enjoy stays in a family-run ryokan (traditional inn) and a Buddhist temple. You can opt for a day trip to Hakone National Park, boasting views of Mount Fuji, and visit Jigokudani Onsen, home to Japan’s famous snow monkeys.

Explore Worldwide offers opportunities to journey through a destination at ground level, for an experience you can’t achieve from the window of a tour bus or deck of a cruise ship. Their guided cultural discovery, walking and hiking, and biking tours provide groups of solo travelers, couples, friends and families — on average 11 people per group — adventures in remarkable locations worldwide. Local guides handle all the logistics, providing access to cultural experiences you can’t find anywhere else, for a truly unique, memorable journey.

“Adventure travel is on the rise, for good reason,” said Explore Worldwide Regional Director for North America, Katy Rockett. “Travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences will appreciate the opportunity to journey their way through exciting locations around the world. Our tour leaders know the best places to stop, find the views, enjoy a fantastic meal or visit cultural sites — and can answer all your questions about your destination.”

To discover your travel possibilities, visit ExploreWorldwide.com.

2024-10-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the leaves turn and the chill sets in, autumn is the perfect time to savor the rich, comforting dishes that define the season. Elevate your fall meals with Galbani Fresh Mozzarella, a versatile ingredient that effortlessly enhances your favorite recipes with its soft and milky texture and delightful flavor. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner, pizza, salad, or quick snack Galbani Fresh Mozzarella is your go-to ingredient for leveling up any meal.

Discover the ultimate fall comfort with these delicious recipes and tips from the mozzarella experts at Galbani Cheese, Italy’s #1 Cheese Brand:

Steak & Cheese Crostini with Autumn Chutney

Kick off fall gatherings with an elegant Steak & Cheese Crostini. Tender sirloin steak pairs with creamy Galbani Fresh Mozzarella, baby arugula, and a spiced chutney made with pears and cranberries.

Ingredients:

• Chutney: 2 pears (diced), 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 1 minced shallot, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. grated ginger, 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes.
• Steak: 1 small sirloin steak, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. Kosher salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper.
• Crostini: 6 slices of Galbani Fresh Mozzarella—halved, 1 thinly sliced baguette, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 1/2 cup baby arugula.

Directions:

• Chutney: Combine ingredients, and simmer until thick (15-20 minutes).
• Steak: Season and cook in olive oil until medium rare (125-130°F).
• Crostini: Bake baguette slices, add mozzarella and melt. Top with arugula, steak and chutney. Serve.

Fresh & Creamy Pumpkin Rigatoni

This dish combines spicy Italian sausage, tender kale and rich pumpkin sauce, with Galbani Fresh Mozzarella adding a creamy touch.

Ingredients

• 16 oz. Galbani Fresh Mozzarella, 1 lb. rigatoni, 2 Tbsp. butter, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, 3/4 lb. Italian sausage removed from casings, 2 cups kale, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 cups pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. Kosher salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta, drain.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in butter, add sausage, cook until done. Add kale, broth, pumpkin, cream, sour cream and spices. Mix with pasta.
3. Stir in half the mozzarella, transfer to a casserole dish, cover and bake for 25 minutes.
4. Top with remaining mozzarella, broil until melted and browned.

Tips for Working with Fresh Mozzarella

Working with fresh mozzarella can truly elevate your cooking, whether you’re crafting a vibrant salad or a hearty dish. To help you make the most of Galbani Fresh Mozzarella this season, here are some expert tips:

• Storage and Freshness: To keep your fresh mozzarella at its best after opening, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Understanding Fresh vs. Regular Mozzarella: Galbani fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content, resulting in a creamy, smooth texture that’s ideal for adding richness to dishes. It’s perfect when melted to elevate pizzas, pasta and paninis. In contrast, Galbani’s regular mozzarella is firmer and better suited for shredding and slicing.

For a simple way to elevate your fall dishes, let Galbani Fresh Mozzarella be the creamy secret ingredient your recipes have been missing. Discover more recipes and tips at galbanicheese.com/FallForFresh.

2024-10-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to curl up in front of a crackling fire on a dark and stormy night with a spooky read. Here are five spine-tingling books from National Geographic and Disney. They won’t scare you … much.

Go to Hell

By Erika Engelhaupt

Throughout history and across cultures, people have long been spellbound by what lies beyond our worldly realm. Now, in this first-of-its-kind travel guide, National Geographic invites readers to explore the world’s strangest and most hellish destinations. Filled to the brim with intrigue, lore, and plenty of brimstone and fire, readers can now add “hell” to their travel bucket list and embark on an unforgettable journey into Earth’s most mysterious and mythical places, including legendary portals to the underworld, “hells on Earth,” and our planet’s most otherworldly destinations.

Art of Coloring: The Haunted Mansion

by Disney Books

The legendary Haunted Mansion attraction and its ghoulish residents come (back) to life in this bewitching adult coloring book.

Scare up some fun coloring your way through whimsically macabre artwork of the ride’s grim grinning ghosts, scenes, and iconography. From Madame Leota, the Bride, and the Hatbox Ghost, to the Stretching Room, the Endless Hallway, the Graveyard, and beyond, there’s chilling fun for everyone—if you dare to venture inside.

Witches Run Amok: The Oral History of Disney’s Hocus Pocus

by Shannon Carlin

Hocus Pocus is a movie that has few, if any, equals; it manages to span a generational divide, uniting boomers and zoomers in their nostalgic love for the boundary-pushing supernatural comedy that, in some ways, seemed a little too risqué for its original intended audience of millennial kids. So how did a movie that didn’t catch an initial spark end up casting such a spell on mainstream culture? Witches Run Amok answers that question and more, through interviews from the cast and creative team behind the heartwarming Halloween staple. The book is a love letter to Hocus Pocus’s millions of devoted fans and a fascinating read for anyone who wants to understand how the Disney movie became a pop culture phenomenon.

The X-Files: Perihelion

by Claudia Gray

Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are still reeling from the death of their son William as they struggle to find purpose away from the X-Files. Though their current relationship is tenuous, they hope to seize their second chance to be a family, despite the many questions surrounding Scully’s pregnancy.

Then the FBI asks for their help on a case that hits all too close to home: a serial killer in the Washington, DC, area is targeting pregnant women. The killer appears to possess an uncanny power over electricity, which is enough for the Bureau to re-open the X-Files—if Mulder and Scully are willing. They cautiously agree, committed to finding justice for the killer’s victims. But their return to the FBI sparks the interest of a shadowy cabal, the heirs to the now-dead Syndicate, and Mulder and Scully soon discover that what at first seemed to be just another X-File is connected to a worldwide threat on an unprecedented scale … one with their own future at its heart.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Visual Companion

by David A. Bossert

A deep-dive reflection on the making of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, this enchanting coffee table book features new interviews with the filmmakers and rare images from the Disney and Burton art collections.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas was crafted as a piece of art: a visual masterpiece that blended together the genius of Tim Burton’s simple story and endearing characters with Danny Elfman’s eclectic music, Henry Selick’s stop-motion brilliance, Caroline Thompson’s heartfelt script, and the painstaking efforts of hundreds of artists, animators, and technicians—all wrapped in a world that only Burton could conjure up. Paired with stunning and never-before-released art and photography, this book transports readers into a one-of-a-kind retrospective journey detailing how Nightmare was thoughtfully crafted and all the ways in which the fan community worldwide has embraced the film ever since. This beautiful volume serves as the must-have book for fans of the film, artists and art collectors, and anyone who appreciates some frightfully good movie magic.

Celebrate Halloween this year with these spooky books. The trick is, they’re the real treat!

2024-10-01T08:31:00

(BPT) – Unlimited PTO tops the “workplace wishlist” for many employees, with 1 in 5 Americans saying they’d decline a new job if it didn’t offer the benefit, according to new Empower research. More than 2 in 5 say all companies should offer unlimited PTO (43%), but despite the popularity, there’s not much difference in the amount of time taken off per year, on average: 16 days for those with unlimited and 14 days for those with a limited policy. A two-day difference is small, especially when half (50%) say they’d take off more time if they had an unlimited policy, while nearly 1 in 4 say they’d take less time off (23%).

Over 4 in 5 workers (85%) say using their PTO to go on vacation increases their happiness, but 35% feel anxious requesting the time off. Nearly half of full-time employees (49%) check their work emails while on PTO, and 42% answer them. In the past year, close to 1 in 5 say they’ve taken a vacation without using PTO days or telling their supervisor; on average, they admit to doing so four times.

PTO perks & policies

When it comes to PTO, some employees believe it’s tied to time on the job: 77% say the more tenure a person has at a company, the more PTO they should get, and 37% believe unlimited PTO should only be available to more tenured staff. Over 4 in 10 say new employees should have to wait a year before qualifying for unlimited PTO.

Gen Zers are more likely to support unlimited PTO policies, with 51% believing that all companies should offer it, compared to 32% of Baby Boomers.

PTO strategies and the 4-day workweek

Half of people (51%) strategically schedule their PTO days around national holidays to make the most of their PTO usage. About a third (32%) use their PTO to visit destinations where they may want to retire.

Four-day workweeks are also an attractive benefit, with 16% of employees saying they wouldn’t accept a new job without this perk. One in 4 full-time employees are willing to take a pay cut for this arrangement. Of them, 11% say they’d take a cut of over $1,000, and 5% say they’d give up more than $5,000 for the privilege. Gen Zers show the most interest in taking a pay cut for this benefit (31%), and Millennials are most likely to consider taking a cut of over $5,000 (6%) to enjoy a four-day workweek.

Most desired employee benefits

More than a quarter (26%) would consider a lower-paying job if it offered unlimited PTO, while nearly 1 in 5 wouldn’t accept a new job without it (19%). On average, employees need at least 15 PTO days annually to consider taking a new job.

Methodology

Empower surveyed 1,028 full-time employees on July 24, 2024.

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