Heading into the summer months brings joy to everyone, especially those in the work force. Morale is higher and employees and employers alike cannot wait to take some time away from the office to enjoy a fun filled vacation with family and friends. However, before you can go relax and take your mind off things for a little, you need to ask for that time off. Steffan & Co. is here to give you tips on how to properly ask your employer for that much wanted, and needed, break from work to enjoy a summer getaway.
First and foremost, always ask well in advance. There is nothing more frustrating to a manager than an employee asking for time off only a few days ahead. They now must change their entire work plan to compensate for you not being there. In most cases, they will not even give you the time off, regardless if the trip is already paid for or not. In order to save both you and your company undesirable headaches, be sure to ask well in advance so that both parties can plan accordingly.
Next, a great day to ask for that time off is on a Friday. Friday’s usually bring with them a sense of happiness and relief before going into the weekend. The boss is more likely to give you the okay if they are in a happier, more relaxed mood. Also, your boss usually won’t be swamped with deadlines and will have more free time to talk on a Friday afternoon. For example, asking on a Monday could prove to be more detrimental as they are stressed out with all the work the next five days is going to bring. The last thing they want to think about on a Monday is a period of time when they will be short staffed, especially when all that is on their mind at the moment is the work that lies ahead.
Finally, always make sure to “ask” for time off, rather than tell them you have planned a vacation for these specific days and will not be in the office. Asking is more polite and not as forceful. The last thing you want to do is anger your boss. After all, they are the one in charge.
Following these simple steps will lead to a more pleasant experience for both parties when asking to take time off for that much needed vacation during the dog days of summer.
-Written by JB Gallagher, Director of Recruiting
First and foremost, always ask well in advance. There is nothing more frustrating to a manager than an employee asking for time off only a few days ahead. They now must change their entire work plan to compensate for you not being there. In most cases, they will not even give you the time off, regardless if the trip is already paid for or not. In order to save both you and your company undesirable headaches, be sure to ask well in advance so that both parties can plan accordingly.
Next, a great day to ask for that time off is on a Friday. Friday’s usually bring with them a sense of happiness and relief before going into the weekend. The boss is more likely to give you the okay if they are in a happier, more relaxed mood. Also, your boss usually won’t be swamped with deadlines and will have more free time to talk on a Friday afternoon. For example, asking on a Monday could prove to be more detrimental as they are stressed out with all the work the next five days is going to bring. The last thing they want to think about on a Monday is a period of time when they will be short staffed, especially when all that is on their mind at the moment is the work that lies ahead.
Finally, always make sure to “ask” for time off, rather than tell them you have planned a vacation for these specific days and will not be in the office. Asking is more polite and not as forceful. The last thing you want to do is anger your boss. After all, they are the one in charge.
Following these simple steps will lead to a more pleasant experience for both parties when asking to take time off for that much needed vacation during the dog days of summer.
-Written by JB Gallagher, Director of Recruiting