This study sought to determine if frequency of peer resentment messages overheard in organizational settings was associated with employees\u27 perceived ability to use work/family policies. Job burnout and state guilt were also included as potential predictors. In this sample of workers (N = 474), resentment messages, internalized guilt, and burnout were significantly and negatively associated with the likelihood of using work/family policies, accounting for 22% of the variance. An interaction effect was also discovered for burnout and resentment on perceived ability to use work/family policies. This study highlights the importance of understanding the messages embedded within an organization\u27s culture and those messages\u27 impacts on individual decisions to make use of leave policies
