A CEO Who Rewards Rest: Why Work-Life Balance Is the New Business Edge

Bill Cassidy, CEO of Lactalis U.S. Yogurt, has publicly advocated for work-life balance, contrasting with leaders like Jensen Huang and Elon Musk, who are known for their relentless work schedules. Cassidy, who oversees major brands including Yoplait and Siggi’s, emphasizes a philosophy of “working to live” and encourages employees to utilize their paid time off (PTO) rather than forgo it. His approach aligns with a growing recognition of the potential negative impact of burnout and overwork on both employee well-being and business outcomes [1].

In a 2019 study, it was found that over 700 million PTO days went unused in the U.S., costing the economy more than $65 billion in lost productivity and benefits. For Cassidy, this trend is a red flag, prompting his commitment to fostering a culture where taking time off is not only accepted but encouraged. “When you come back from a break, you’re more energized and productive,” he told Fortune, emphasizing the value of disconnection from work as a tool for better leadership and innovation [1].

Cassidy’s personal approach to balancing professional and personal life includes coaching his children’s sports teams, a practice he continues even as CEO. He has also extended this philosophy to his company’s culture, including marketing campaigns such as Siggi’s PTO-focused initiative that offered $5,000 and flight vouchers to encourage workers to take time off. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the broader issue of unused vacation days and underscore the importance of work-life balance in the corporate environment [1].

Recent studies highlight how younger workers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, increasingly prioritize work-life balance. According to a 2025 Deloitte survey, over 42% of these demographics expect their managers to help establish boundaries between work and personal life. Similarly, a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that one in five workers would decline job offers without unlimited PTO, a benefit offered by only about 6% of companies [1]. This suggests that PTO policies are becoming a critical factor for attracting and retaining talent, especially among younger employees.

The trend is also gaining traction among investors. A Bloomberg survey revealed that 57% of retail investors believe companies offering unlimited vacation days could outperform the top 500 listed U.S. companies. However, the effectiveness of such policies remains a subject of debate. While Netflix, which has famously supported its employees in taking extensive time off, is often cited as a model, other companies have reversed similar policies after finding that they failed to produce the intended outcomes. For example, fintech startup Bolt recently abolished its unlimited PTO policy after determining it led to uneven usage and employee dissatisfaction [1].

Cassidy’s approach at Lactalis U.S. Yogurt focuses on “generous and flexible” PTO without setting strict limits, a model he believes will support long-term success. He argues that companies that encourage time off, rather than glorifying constant work, are more likely to thrive in today’s competitive and evolving business landscape. His stance reflects a broader shift in corporate culture toward prioritizing employee well-being as a strategic advantage [1].

Source: [1] Unlike Jensen Huang, this CEO embraces work-life balance and is proud he takes vacations and coached his kids’ baseball team (https://fortune.com/2025/08/23/lactalis-us-yogurt-yogplait-siggis-ceo-bill-cassidy-embrace-work-life-balance-takes-vacation-pto-unlike-billionaires-jensen-huang-elon-musk/)