Everyone needs a break from work once in a while. The process you follow for requesting time off from work will depend on a few factors, including your company’s policy and the reason for your request. A clear understanding of the necessary steps will ensure that you and your employer are on the same page.
You’re under no obligation to explain why you’re using paid time off. As long as you have the days available to you, it’s your decision as to how you use them. Some of the most common reasons include:
The method for requesting vacation time varies between companies based on their internal policies. But there are a few common ways to request time off:
There are pros and cons to all these methods, and employers generally choose the one that best suits the size and structure of their teams.
It’s one thing to know the process for requesting time off from work. It’s another thing entirely to do so in a manner that’s respectful to your manager, team, and company as a whole.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re requesting time off:
This template is best suited for organizations that accept vacation requests via email, or as a follow-up to a request sent through an employee dashboard. In some cases, managers want to see requests in writing so they can update attendance calendars.
[First name],
I am writing this note to request vacation time for the dates of [start date] to [end date]. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your time.
[Your name]
If your organization defaults to face-to-face conversations, it’s important to be clear and to the point so the manager knows what to expect from the interaction.
Hey [First name], I won’t take up much of your time. I want to put in a vacation request for [start date] to [end date]. When you get a chance, let me know if that works for you.
Both approaches are likely to lead to follow-up questions, such as the person asking where you’re going or requesting that you complete specific tasks before leaving. While the former is just friendly conversation, the latter is an example of an important logistical matter to address.
If you’re an employee, you can use this information to request vacation time more efficiently. And if you’re an employer, this guide can help you better manage the request process from start to finish.
Are you seeking a better way to manage time-off requests? Oyster can help. Our global employment platform is designed to enable visionary HR leaders to find, hire, pay, manage, develop, and take care of a thriving distributed workforce. From vacation time to health benefits and everything in between, Oyster makes it easy to manage your employees.