How To Ask For Vacation Time After Returning From Parental Leave
Parental leave is not a vacation! If you were able to take parental leave and are returning to paid work, the thought of asking for time off can feel next to impossible. Many new parents find themselves in this exact scenario, playing chess in their minds and considering what is the right move when it comes to asking for sick or vacation time. Unfortunately, it often ends with not asking for the time off and finding yourself overworked, burnt out, and looking for a new job.
With the holiday season in full swing, I know how important this season is for each family. Here are some simple tips when asking for vacation time after returning from parental leave.
- Review your company parental leave policy as well as your state and federal family leave and bonding programs (make sure you look at your job protection rights as well). Potentially you may not have used all of your leave that you qualify for and are entitled to in the first year of adding a child to your family. Click here to learn more about your state and federal family leave programs.
- Ideally, give as much notice as possible. Standard of two weeks when possible.
- When submitting your request, make sure you follow company procedures in requesting time off. That could be a form or who you request the time through. Ideally, always put the request in writing if your company doesn't currently have a form.
- Do your homework on the available vacation time that you have. Sometimes this will show in your paystub of accrued time, company portal, or your HR team generally will have this information. This could be a selling point when requesting time off, and it is a use it or lose it by the end of the year scenario.
- In your request, include how you are preparing to go on vacation and the plan when you return. Provide details on how you will still meet required deadlines, divide work amongst team members, and define coverage.
- Keep your request simple. Oftentimes we feel like we have to over-explain why we need the time. Ultimately this is time you earned and deserve.
- Plan on a good day to ask your boss. Please stay away from asking when your boss is in back-to-back meetings, or it's been a rough day for your team.
It can feel like the most challenging mountain to climb to ask for vacation time after returning from parental leave. Remember, research shows that a well-thought-out request always holds more weight and is also a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the organization. So don't be afraid to ask. If you don't ask, you will never know.