Supporting the Healthcare Workforce with Flexible PTO Solutions

Healthcare workers face intense demands, often leaving little time to use the benefits they've earned. PTO Exchange offers a smarter, more flexible way to support these essential employees—enabling them to convert unused paid time off into financial wellness, retirement savings, student loan payments, and more.

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PTO Exchange
$1,850
Exchange Value

24
Hours Available

The Challenge: Burnout, Turnover, and Unused Benefits in Healthcare

Healthcare professionals are the backbone of our communities—providing care, support, and healing under high-pressure conditions every day. But across the industry, hospitals and healthcare systems are facing unprecedented workforce challenges:

Rising employee burnout and stress

46% of health workers reported feeling burned out “often” or “very often” in 2022—up from 32% in 2018—signaling rising stress among clinical staff. This escalating burnout not only undermines staff well‑being but also threatens patient care quality and organizational stability.

Staffing shortages and high turnover rates

The 2024 NSI National Healthcare Retention & RN Staffing Report states, hospitals experienced an overall turnover rate of 20.7%—with registered nurse turnover at 18.4%—underscoring ongoing workforce churn in clinical settings An American Hospital Association poll also found that 88% of nurses worry about how staffing shortages affect patient care, and 63% report being assigned to too many patients at once, highlighting the critical need for effective retention and support strategies.

Mounting liabilities from unused paid time off (PTO)

In healthcare settings, these liabilities can balloon quickly. For example, at an average unused PTO liability of $7,600 per full‑time employee, a mid‑sized hospital with 800 staff members would carry over $6 million in PTO obligations on its balance sheet. That’s money hospitals could instead reinvest in patient care, staff training, or critical equipment.

Rigid benefit structures that don’t meet diverse employee needs

In healthcare settings, rigid benefit structures are especially problematic. Aon’s 2024 Benefits Survey of Hospitals revealed that fewer than 15% of hospitals provide any customizable PTO redemption or alternative leave options—underscoring the need for more adaptable solutions tailored to the diverse needs of healthcare professionals.

The Solution: A More Flexible, Employee-Centric Approach to PTO

PTO Exchange helps healthcare organizations reimagine paid time off by transforming unused PTO into a valuable, flexible asset that meets employees where they are.

Create Your Personalized PTO Program

PTO Exchange’s cafeteria style approach allows you to control and customize everything about your organization’s exchange policy. You’ll be able to easily turn on and off exchange options and create a program that fits exactly your needs. Our exchanges are split into two categories:

Plan Selections

Retirement – make pre-tax contributions to 401(k) / Roth 401(k)
Student Loans – Help employees pay down student loans, make tuition payments or fund their 529 plans
Healthcare Expenses / HSAs – Provide an alternative options for eligible employees to contribute pre-tax
Cash Out – Deliver choice and flexibility for employees to manage rising inflation or unexpected expenses
Travel Rewards – Allow employees to use excess PTO for discounted airfare, discounted hotels and car rentals
Voluntary Rewards – Increase participation and offer an alternative way to cover the cost of monthly premiums

We have worked with healthcare organizations across the globe.

Join a growing number of healthcare organizations that have embraced the PTO Exchange revolution. If you’re looking for a solution that not only reduces turnover, but also enhances financial wellness and customized benefits, PTO Exchange is the answer.

“I appreciate IU Health so much for having the PTO Exchange option. My care has been down for over a month now and I used PTO Exchange to obtain the extra funds I needed. I thank God for IU Health and PTO Exchange because without them I would be back to square one! Thank you so much, it means a lot to know your company has your back!

Tevin J.
Employee

“We have to be good stewards of our money in making sure that every dime we spend is well worth it, is valued, and will impact the organization positively. PTO Exchange has presented a solution that is not going to break the bank, is of value to the employee, and was easy for us to get buy-in from our financial partners.”

Adele Kebe-Johnson
CHRO

"We are always looking for new ways to support our team members, who are literally on the front lines serving our community. The ability to tap into unused PTO creates meaningful benefits for employees and also helps differentiate us as we recruit for top talent."

Paul Rauseo
VP of Human Resources

“Many of the additional benefits we have added to our Total Rewards package came as a result of the revenue generated through the PTO Exchange additional program.”

Dawn Martinez
Benefits Supervisor

“I’ve been working in HR now for 23 years and this benefit is hands down one of the more innovative, cutting-edge things we’ve offered that really has been a staff pleaser. We have been able to avoid folks getting capped out and allowed folks to work more hours, while still encouraging people to take a healthy amount of time off. ”

Candace Daniels
Employee Benefits and Wellness

"I used my PTO exchange to cash out and it was a very easy process. Took me only 5 minutes. Now I have more money in my next paycheck! Incredibly thankful for this exchange and the fact that my employer offers it!"

Caroline R.
Employee

Why Healthcare Organizations Choose PTO Exchange

Trusted by hospitals, health systems, and medical centers nationwide, PTO Exchange is uniquely positioned to support the healthcare workforce. We’ve partnered with associations like the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) and Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) to support their member hospitals in delivering smarter, more equitable benefits. Whether you're looking to improve engagement, reduce benefit liabilities, or bring innovation to your workforce strategy, we’re here to help.

Improves Employee Retention and Satisfaction

By giving employees greater control over how they use their PTO, hospitals can increase satisfaction, build loyalty, and reduce turnover. Benefits become more personalized and meaningful—particularly for younger staff burdened with student debt or more tenured employees planning for retirement.

Reduces PTO-Related Financial Liabilities

Unused PTO accruals can create significant balance sheet liabilities. PTO Exchange helps mitigate this issue by offering alternative redemption options, allowing organizations to reduce accruals without forcing employees to “use it or lose it.”

Supports Workforce Wellbeing

Healthcare professionals are more likely to experience burnout and emotional fatigue. Our platform enables proactive solutions—such as converting PTO into wellness resources or shared leave—helping staff feel supported, even during the most stressful times.

Attracts Top Talent in a Competitive Market

Healthcare workers increasingly look for flexibility and purpose in their benefits. Offering a customizable PTO experience gives your organization a unique advantage in attracting new talent in a highly competitive labor market.

Integrates Seamlessly with Existing Systems

PTO Exchange works with your existing HRIS and payroll systems, making implementation smooth, secure, and scalable. Our solution is fully configurable to fit your organization’s policies and compliance requirements.