Self-care remains just as important as ever as we emerge from the global pandemic. Taking some time off gives you the opportunity to pursue hobbies, travel, or simply rest and relax. But do you know the best way to go about asking for time off? Here are some tips.
Know the Policy
If you receive PTO (paid time off) benefits, make sure you know how the policy works. You might be limited to a certain number of days in a row, for example, or PTO requests may not be honored during the new hire period. There may be special rules governing specific types of leave such as maternity leave or jury duty service.
If you don’t have enough PTO hours available or your company doesn’t offer them, you might still be able to take unpaid time off. Check your employee handbook for details.
Check the Calendar
All businesses operate in cycles, and your time off request is more likely to be approved during the off season. In addition, your company may limit the number of people who can take vacations at the same time. Look for a time that the company is not overly busy and a bunch of PTO requests are not already on the books.
Talk to Your Boss
Ask your boss for a quick meeting to discuss your leave. You don’t generally have to give a reason unless you’re taking extended time off such as maternity leave. But managers are human, and talking about your plans may improve your chances for approval. Be ready to explain how you’ll get any big projects done before you leave.
Submit a Request
Make sure you follow official procedures for submitting your time off request, even if your boss verbally approves it. You may need to send an email or submit your request through an online portal. Also find out how long in advance you need to request time off. Even if there isn’t an official policy, though, giving as much notice as possible will be appreciated, especially if you want a week or more off.
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