Oh, sorry. I'm from a tradition where "read a lot" means expanding your mind. (I'm assuming you're not reading pointless romance novels, and such.) My response was predicated on the idea that your employer was not valuing intellectual/cultural education.
(If that doesn't apply, then I'm doubly sorry.)
EDIT: I now realize this comment may sound ridiculously smug, but I'm not sure what to do about that. I do realize that I am privileged (by location of birth, etc.), FWIW.
I am presently reading the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. What employers can you think of who would pay me to read that? And when I finish, and I next want to re-read Nietzsche are they going to pay me for that too? What about when I need a break from serious reading and spend a few weeks reading sci-fi or fantasy? These things are simply not of value to any employer I know, and I don't see why they would want to or should pay me for it.
(If that doesn't apply, then I'm doubly sorry.)
EDIT: I now realize this comment may sound ridiculously smug, but I'm not sure what to do about that. I do realize that I am privileged (by location of birth, etc.), FWIW.