Want to take a vacation? Here’s how to ask for leave from a difficult boss

By Team MyNationFirst Published Sep 27, 2019, 1:13 PM IST
Highlights

It’s World Tourism Day and one might want to take a vacation. Asking for leave can be tricky but make sure you give advance notice before you go on leave. Avoid taking a vacation until an important project is complete, read on.

In any workplace, asking for leave is one of the most difficult requests employees have to make. People generally find themselves confused and a tad bit stressed when they have to ask for leave. Admittedly, there's no right way of asking some time off from work. However, using certain communication skills could get you that well-earned vacation time. 

Don't talk about your plans with co-workers
In all workplaces, information travels fast and your boss could get to know before you make the request. It's better to avoid talking about it until you've got the green signal from your superior.

Make it sound like a request
Every employee feels stressed and at some point, thinks he/she has earned the right to take some time off from work. However, keep in mind that your tone shouldn't sound like a demand. Be as polite as possible and leave it upto your boss.

Give advance notice
It’s generally advised to give at least a month's advance before you go on a vacation. This allows your boss to plan the work flow in your absence.

Before you talk to the boss, talk to your immediate superior first
Do discuss your desire for leave with your immediate superior so that you could get some guidance on how to approach your boss. During this conversation, discuss how your leave might possibly affect your work and what best you can do to keep the workflow going. 

Check your leave policy
This is one of the most basic steps but employees usually forget to check their leaves when they request. Informing your boss about the nature of your leave, whether it’s accrued or casual, will make you sound responsible. 

Avoid vacations in the middle of a project
You know the workings of your workplace best, so figure out when is the busiest time in the office. This could be at the start or at the end of a month, or even in the middle of a project. Keep in mind that your boss might not let you go if you ask for leave during these periods. 

Gauge your boss's mood
If your boss is busy or has just returned from a difficult meeting, its best to avoid this conversation. Gauge your boss's mood, ask for a short meeting and make your request.

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