5 Reasons Managing Time Off Is Harder Than It Should Be

by | Feb 11, 2020 | Business Excellence, Personal Development, Team Work

A checklist graphic with three options under the question "WHEN?": "TODAY," "TOMORROW," and "NEVER." The option "TODAY" is checked with a green checkmark. The text appears in black on a white background with slight shadowing—perfect for managing time off efficiently.

There are many human resource responsibilities in your workplace, not only hiring and training of new employees. Another task of the department is managing requests made by employees, such as a vacation.

It might not be an easy task to balance human resource tasks. Could you be making it even tougher? Let’s discuss five reasons you might be wasting time managing time off than you should:

1. The poorly defined request process

Your request procedure is not clear if some employees run to their employees and others to you when they have a time-off request to make. If this is the case, you should not be frustrated whenever employees do not follow your instructions to the latter.

It is now the best time to revisit and explain the right procedure to follow and then communicate it clearly to the employees. This procedure will make it simple for everyone. Make them understand all the expectations.

2. Employees make it tough for you.

There comes a time when you will have to reject your employees’ leave. Remember that it is a business and not personal, so treat it as it is. However, ensure that you are consistent and fair to all of them.
Ensure that they are eligible for the leaves that they request. If not, make them understand why you denied it. Transparency is, therefore, important as it eliminates frustration and misunderstanding. Be professional when dealing with these leaves.

3. Lack of plan for un-communicated absences

Take, for instance, and one employee requested leave two weeks ago. Another one is down with flu and can only resume when they recover. The department manager is frustrated because he has less staff. Is this fair? Your company should be prepared for such uncertainties because they are bound to happen.

4. Some employees do not take vacations.

Carrying forward employee leaves may be of a negative impact on your company and become a liability. It brings a psychological, financial, and emotional effect. Employees who take their leaves regularly are less stressed and will experience low or no burnout.

5. Lack of awareness about work/life balance

It is essential to show an interest in work/life balance by taking your leaves appropriately. As their employer, it is good practice to enquire from your employees about their leave plans with their well being as the priority.

Now you understand why managing time off is harder than it should be. However, this should no longer be a challenge for you. You can begin by having a well-defined request procedure. Enquire from the employees whether they understand the requirements of the leave request procedure.