Can my business require employees to use vacation time or PTO?

Generally, yes, provided it is consistent with your business’s established policy or employment contract. In the absence of state law to the contrary, employers may require the use of vacation time or paid time off ("PTO") and restrict its use. Where an employer offers a bona fide benefits plan or vacation time to its employees, there is no prohibition on an employer requiring that such accrued leave or vacation time be taken on a specific day(s). That said, however, please review the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which restricts employers’ ability to require employees qualifying for relief under the Act to forego vacation time or PTO.