Your work supports your life. But it’s your health and the way you live, deciding how long you can sustain yourself in the workforce. So, it’s important to set mindful boundary so that you can take time off from work while also continue to thrive at workplace.
It may often seem that you hardly have a window to take time off from work. But that’s not true. As an employee, you must secure paid time off while also showing commitment to work.
Yes, it’s nerve-wracking to ask for time off. But it’s possible. It comes with understanding why and when to take paid time off. Read this article for further information.
Schedule instead of Asking on Short Notice
Most companies have specific operating methods, and some months of the year are busier than others. As an employee, first, try to understand when the business is at its peak and when your boss needs all hands-on deck. It’s best not to take time off during the busy season when more clients are coming in for your company’s services.
Now, once you can identify the right time to take off, it’s important to let your boss or manager know about your schedule. Make the leave a scheduled off and give earlier notice so you don’t disadvantage your team.
Plan your vacation in a way so that your team can prepare and cover for your absence. Then, you’re free to take a cheap yacht rental in Singapore or plan your Kashmir trip — whatever suits your taste.
Be Specific about Your Request
When you ask for your time off or put in that mail to the team manager and HR department, it’s important to mention the dates, and the duration of your time off. Be very specific about how long you want to take off and communicate that directly without any loopholes.
Also, provide your manager with enough details and outset about the leave you want to apply. Every company has their own leave management system and there must be different areas of the leave request you need to fill. Ensure to abide by those rules to communicate clear request to your manager.
Also, let your boss know if you have committed to anything (booked a ticket, or reserved a hotel) which cannot be rescheduled. This isn’t essential. But this level of detail can create a sense of urgency from your end making your boss understand why it’s important.
Work on Your Deliverables
The best way to ask for time off is by staying on track with your responsibilities at work. This could include catching up to your target or overachieve them.
Organize your work and fulfill your responsibilities before you are ready to take time off. Most managers don’t have any issues with their teammates taking time off when the work is on track. As long as you aren’t falling behind and meeting your deadlines on time, your request has a higher chance of getting approved.
Don’t Overlap Your Leave with Others in the Team
When taking time off, see if others in your team are taking time off as well. Your boss can’t have half the team disappear on a vacation. It’s best to communicate with your team and see if others also schedules have lined up. Communicate professionally and responsibly to ensure that the schedule is lined up.
If you have visibility over others’ leave requests, then it’s fine. Also, if you have a clear window here, but your boss is on vacation, then you may put in the request mindfully without interrupting them.
Ensure to Ask, not Tell
Even when you have a clear window and can see that your absence won’t disrupt work too much, it’s best to take permission from your boss. Be very confident while reaching out to your boss with a leave request. Make sure that you’re asking your boss about the time off and not being aggressive about it.
It helps to understand the difference between assertiveness and aggressive way of asking for leave. Remember, that asking for leave isn’t a one-time request you make to your boss. Make sure that it’s up to your boss to grant you the leave and bring out their generous side in the process.