FTO versus PTO. Advantages of FTO, if you have an industry with seasonal highs and lows, it would be nice to take additional time off without worry because your industry naturally has a slowdown. The negatives are if you or your co-workers are inconsiderate and your absence effects the team’s quality of work. I think as you and your co-workers start to adjust, you will find a format that works for the team.

Is FTO some kind of flex plan?

My company switched to FTO about two years ago. I also look to use the same amount of time I would with PTO if we hadn’t changed over. The biggest piece of advice I would share is to make sure you have an open conversation with you direct supervisor of their expectations under this policy. I also have coworkers who now take less time off, but I feel as if I am able to take the time I am because my direct supervisor is a huge believer in work life balance and supports me in the time I ask for.

FTO at our company means I email my manager when I plan to take time off and put it on the calendar. Use it or lose it. I target to use the same number of days off as PTO (which increased with tenure). My difficulty is that my teammates are taking less time off with FTO, so I'm the one asking for coverage frequently and cannot reciprocate that way. I suppose I help in other ways, and they are taking time off "here and there". Here it's basically the honor system, no outward tracking.