​The Etiquette of Asking for Extended Time Off

No matter how dedicated you are to your job, there may be times in life when circumstances will require more flexibility in your work schedule. Dealing with illness (your own or a loved one), caring for aging parents, bringing home a new baby or pursuing personal goals are all potential motivations to seek a leave of absence from work.

Situations such as childbirth, adoption or a serious medical condition may be covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In those cases, consult your HR manager. If FMLA rules don’t apply and you still want extended time off, there may be a way. Many employers will accommodate an outstanding employee’s needs rather than risk losing them.

If you are hoping for time to fulfill a goal such as travel or education, or if you otherwise need more time than your vacation days will allow, here’s how to go about it.

Check the Policy

Review your company’s leave policy. In a smaller organization, it may be less formal; a larger company may have an extended leave policy and a formal application process. Either way, understand what your benefits are and how they align with your goal.

Be Impeccable

If you are the type of employee who regularly goes above and beyond, your boss will be more willing to listen. Don’t try this if your effort is inconsistent, or you are prone to burn up sick days as fast as they accrue.

Make it a Win-Win

Explain how your leave will benefit both you and the company. If you wish to undertake additional training or education, describe the skills you will bring back that will make you a more valuable employee. Your leave will undoubtedly affect your employer and your colleagues; explain the ROI in granting your request.

Outline Specifics

Prepare a written request that provides the information that will support your case: what you will be doing, when you propose taking your leave (with a date for return), why it’s a good idea, where you will be (and if you will be reachable), and how you will make sure that colleagues and clients are not abandoned. Putting everything in writing will help you organize your thoughts and document your request while showing your boss that you have given the details considerable thought.

Stash Away Cash

Your supervisor may be willing to grant you extended time off, but be prepared for the leave to be unpaid. Be ready to survive without a paycheck for the duration. You should also learn how a leave of absence affects your benefits. Will you still have health care coverage if you take extended leave – and if so, who will pay for it? Understand the full financial implications of taking a break.

Time it Right

Time your proposed leave so the impact of your absence is minimal. If at all possible, avoid asking for time off during busy times of the year, such as budget planning or other peak times when the company needs all hands on deck. In addition, time your “ask” well; talk to your boss at a time when they aren’t busy, preoccupied (or stressed out).

Cover All Your Basis

Before you ask a supervisor, have a plan in place for covering your position. Think through the possibilities to formulate a strategy to keep things moving in your absence; don’t just announce you want to leave and expect others to figure out how to get everything done.

Be Flexible

Perhaps your manager doesn’t feel that they can afford to have you gone for two months. Think of several possible ways to compromise: would a shorter leave, a temporary telecommuting arrangement or part-time schedule work for you? Be willing to negotiate an arrangement that will work for both you and your employer.

Decide What’s Next

Get ready to put your plan into action if you get the green light, and have a backup proposal if the answer is no. If your heart’s desire is to take three months to travel the world or to take a mission trip to a foreign country, decide what you are willing to give up. Your dream may be worth the risk, or you may choose to stay at your job until the timing is better. Your decision should be sound, objective and well thought out before you make a drastic change.

You may also like The Difference Between an Average and a Phenomenal Employee. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.