Managing Time Off Requests Well Can Boost Employee Productivity. Here's How.

Efficient management of employee time off requests is more than a mere administrative task. It is a strategic initiative that, when handled effectively, can significantly boost employee productivity and give your organization a competitive edge.

This is because there is a tight relationship between employees taking time off and their productivity levels. Employees who take regular time off from work are more productive and engaged when they return. Rejuvenated employees contribute to creating a more positive work environment, which can ease employee turnover rates and increase profitability.

The frequency and speed at which employee time off requests are handled also play a significant role in amplifying wellbeing. Promptly approving these requests and accommodating employees' needs demonstrates a commitment to their wellbeing.

Here's everything you need to know about harnessing time off requests to improve employee performance.

What are Time Off Requests?

Time off requests are formal applications submitted by employees to take a certain period of absence from work for reasons such as vacations, illnesses, personal emergencies, or other needs. These requests help employees address all of the personal and professional demands on their own schedule.

Why is it Important to Manage Time Off Requests Effectively?

Effectively managing time off requests is crucial in maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. Proper handling of these requests helps employees feel valued and empowered, fosters a positive work culture, and ultimately contributes to increased employee wellbeing and productivity.

Four Ways Time Off Improves Employee Performance

Taking time off from work has been shown to have a positive impact on employee performance. It provides an opportunity to relax, spend quality time with loved ones, pursue hobbies, and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. 

Furthermore, taking regular breaks can help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being, leading to a happier and more motivated workforce. So, don't underestimate the power of taking time off – it's a win-win situation for both employees and employers alike!

Here are four stats that showcase the power of a little R&R.

• Employees who utilize all of their vacation time perform better. An internal audit conducted by Ernst & Young revealed that for every additional 10 hours of vacation time taken, employees saw an 8% improvement in their year-end performance.
• Workers who take time off are more likely to earn a raise. People who take more than 10 vacation days have a 65% chance of getting a raise in a three year period, compared to only 35% of people who take less than 10 days.
• People coming back from vacation are more productive. This is particularly true for people who take a trip to a warm climate.
• Employees coming back from time off think better. People show improved concentration and decision-making abilities when they do return to work.

Best Practices for Managing Time Off Requests

The benefits of time off for employees and companies are well established. Time off can reduce stress, increase job satisfaction, prevent burnout, and improve overall wellbeing. A well-rested and satisfied workforce is likely to be more motivated, engaged, and productive, ultimately leading to better business performance.

Keeping employee wellbeing and business performance in mind, let's deep dive into the best practices for effectively managing time off requests.

Create a Clear and Comprehensive Time Off Policy

A solid time off policy should outline the types of time off available to employees, eligibility requirements, and the procedure for requesting and approving time off. This foundation streamlines the process and ensures employees have a clear understanding of their available options and expectations.

Determine What Types of Time Off are Available to Employees

Common types of time off include:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): This type of leave allows employees to take time off for any reason, such as vacation, personal appointments, or relaxation. It provides flexibility and promotes work-life wellness.
• Sick Leave: Employees can utilize sick leave when they are unwell or need to take care of their health. This type of time off is crucial for employees to prioritize their well-being and prevent the spread of illness in the workplace.
• Bereavement Leave: When an employee experiences the loss of a loved one, bereavement leave allows them to take time off to grieve, attend funeral services, and handle necessary arrangements. It acknowledges the emotional impact of losing someone close and provides support during difficult times.
• Personal Leave: Personal leave is a flexible type of time off that employees can use for personal reasons, such as pursuing hobbies, attending personal events, or taking a mental health break. It promotes self-care and encourages employees to prioritize their personal wellbeing.
• Maternity/Paternity Leave: Maternity and paternity leave are gendered parental leave policies specifically designed to support employees who are expecting or have recently become parents. These types of leave allow parents to bond with their newborns, adjust to their new family dynamics, and ensure a smooth transition back to work.
• Military Leave: Military leave provides employees who are members of the military with the necessary time off to fulfill their military obligations, such as training or deployment. It recognizes and supports their commitment to serving their country.
• Jury Duty: When an employee is summoned for jury duty, this type of leave allows them to fulfill their civic duty as a juror. It ensures employees can participate in the legal process without any negative impact on their employment.

These various types of time off are essential in ensuring employees have the necessary support and flexibility to manage their personal and professional lives.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Each Type of Time Off?

Eligibility requirements can vary significantly based on organizational policies and local labor laws. For instance, factors such as the length of service, job classification, and type of employment contract can play a crucial role in determining an employee's eligibility for specific types of time off. It is important for employers to carefully consider these factors and ensure compliance with relevant regulations to provide fair and appropriate benefits to their employees.

What is the Procedure for Requesting and Approving Time Off?

A well-defined procedure should include the following key elements:

1. Clear guidelines specifying the recommended time frame for employees to submit their requests in advance. This helps ensure that there is sufficient time for the request to be reviewed and processed without causing any last-minute disruptions.
2. Dedicated and easily accessible channels through which employees can submit their requests. This can include various mediums such as email or HR software, providing employees with convenience and flexibility in submitting their requests.
3. A well-defined process for the approval or denial of requests. This typically involves effective communication and coordination between the HR department and the employee's supervisor. This ensures that requests are thoroughly evaluated and decisions are made in a fair and timely manner.

By incorporating these comprehensive details into the procedure, organizations can establish a robust and efficient framework for managing employee requests, promoting transparency and consistency throughout the process.

Use a Time Off Request Form within a Time Off Tracking System

A comprehensive standardized time off request form usually includes essential information such as the employee's full name, department or team name, specific type of time off being requested (e.g., PTO, sick leave, military leave), and the precise start and end dates of the request.

This well-structured form can then be seamlessly integrated into your organization's advanced time off tracking system, enabling efficient management, seamless reporting, and accurate tracking of all time off requests.

Review Requests Promptly

When it comes to reviewing time off requests, it is important to strike a balance between efficiency and thoroughness. Aim to review them in a timely manner, ensuring that employees have enough time to plan their time off while also respecting the needs of the workforce. 

If you have any questions about a particular request, don't hesitate to reach out to the employee to clarify any details or seek additional information. Open communication and clear understanding are key to ensuring a smooth and efficient process for managing time off requests.

Be Fair and Consistent.

To ensure fairness and consistency when approving time off requests, it's important to follow the clear and comprehensive time off policy you created to guide your time off management process. This is especially important when it comes to managing requests for employees in similar roles or departments. Consistency helps ensure that every employee knows what to expect when requesting time off and reduces the possibility of misunderstandings or disagreements down the line. Moreover, this also promotes an atmosphere of trust and transparency between employer and employees.

Harness Flexibility

When it comes to approving time off requests, being flexible can help foster a positive work environment and promote employee satisfaction. By considering alternative scheduling options like flex hours or hybrid work, you can accommodate employees' personal needs while still maintaining productivity and meeting business goals. Embracing flexibility also shows that you value work-life balance and are willing to support your team members in achieving it.

Boosting Employee Performance with Time Off Requests

Taking time off enhances employee performance. When people have the opportunity to take a break, they return to work more refreshed and energized, ready to drive results.

Employee wellbeing programs like Wellhub also allow you to capture the bottom-line advantages of workforce wellness. With thousands of in-person and on-demand wellness partners around the world, employees are always equipped to take care of their holistic wellbeing.

Take the next step on your workforce wellness journey. Speak with a Wellbeing Specialist today.

References

• Achor, S. (2021, August 27). The Data-Driven case for vacation. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/07/the-data-driven-case-for-vacation
• Blasche, G., Reithofer, B., Schobersberger, W., Ekmekçioğlu, C., & Marktl, W. (2006). Effect of vacation on health: Moderating factors of vacation outcome. Journal of Travel Medicine, 12(2), 94–101. https://doi.org/10.2310/7060.2005.12206
• Society for Human Resource Management. (2023, October 25). Encourage your employees to take time off this year. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/employee-relations/pages/encourage-your-employees-to-take-time-off-this-year.aspx
• Sullivan, B. (2014, August 27). Want a raise? Try taking a vacation. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2014/08/27/vacations-help-you-get-ahead-at-work-ey.html
• Wellable. (2023, September 11). Vacation Time: An Untapped Resource For Enhanced Employee Well-Being & Productivity. Wellable. https://www.wellable.co/blog/vacation-time-in-employee-well-being-and-productivity/