Everybody needs a little time away (sing it with me all you Gen X’ers) . . . Now more than ever, we all need a break. It’s been nearly two years since my last vacation and somehow leaving the office early (4:00 pm) has become sacred. We are all crunched for time, but it is important for employees to unplug and take that needed break from work. What if everyone on the team needs a break now?

Respectfully, what’s an employee to do when making the ask for vaca?

1. Practically speaking, employees should make their requests as early as possible. There’s something to be said for planning. Although, COVID has taught us one thing for sure . . . plans change. If your plans change, update the calendar and let coworkers and your supervisor know you will be at work.
2. Be flexible with your time off requests. Your willingness to adapt to the changing needs of the organization will be recognized and appreciated. In most cases, flexibility will increase your chances of approval and earn you emotional bank with colleagues.
3. Be respectful of your fellow team members and their requests. Understanding early planning and seniority may be factors in breaking the tie for vacation/paid time off approval. A considerate ask will go a long way with team members being asked to cover a shift or follow-up with a client over the holidays.

In some organizations, employees receive premium pay when asked to cover shifts of coworkers. Inherently this can give rise to abuse of paid time off programs, but it also ensures that employees are using their paid time off to relax and recharge.

Whatever the case, last minute requests, outside of an actual emergency requires little extra effort and fosters teamwork and harmony in the workplace.