Time away from work.
WHAT TYPES TYPICALLY EXIST
Annual leave Sick leave Maternity leave Public holidays Compassionate leave Unpaid leave
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
The entitlement for each, in the contract and policy.
WHY BOTH
The contract creates the obligation; the policy explains the process.
WHAT THE POLICY SHOULD COVER
How leave is requested How much notice is required Who approves What happens to unused leave How sickness is reported and evidenced
WHY NOTICE REQUIREMENTS MATTER
They allow the work to be covered.
WHAT TO RECORD
Every request, approval and day taken.
WHY
Disputes about entitlement are common and resolved on records.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT CARRY-OVER
Decide, state it, and apply it consistently.
WHAT TO AVOID
Discouraging leave informally while granting it formally.
WHY
It produces exhausted staff and untaken entitlement that accumulates as a liability.
WHAT TO MONITOR
Whether people actually take their leave.
WHAT UNUSUAL ABSENCE PATTERNS MAY INDICATE
Health issues Problems at work Other employment
WHAT TO DO
Have a conversation, supportively, before assuming.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Health information disclosed during those conversations.
WHY
It is sensitive, and it requires restricted handling.
WHAT TO KEEP SEPARATE
Health records from general personnel records.
