Starting a new job can be pretty daunting and exciting, especially for those who need to be accustomed to new company policies and culture and those who need to fully immerse themselves in their new job. Because of this, taking a vacation might be out of the question for many.
Thankfully, this might not be the case for new employees planning to go on a holiday in the near future. While it can feel uncomfortable to ask for time off, especially for those who are new to the job, there are ways that an individual can navigate around these issues.
For those looking to ask for vacation time from a new job, below are some job tips that can help people get their requests approved and still be viewed professionally. To know more about this, take a look at what this guide has to offer.
- Importance Of Taking A Break And Vacation Time For Employees
- Waiting Before Taking A Vacation From A New Job
- How Far In Advance One Should Ask For A Vacation
- Learning How To Ask For A Vacation
- What To Consider Before Taking A Vacation
Importance Of Taking A Break And Vacation Time For Employees
Depending on the company or organization in question, individuals get a determined number of vacation days per year. This can also be determined by collective bargaining agreements and informal agreements between an employee and their management.
In the United States and under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), federal law recognizes that companies and organizations do not need to provide their workers with paid vacation. However, those working in the private industry are still provided with paid vacation days.
Companies who give their employees paid time off for vacation, and other life events can determine how they earn their vacation time.
Some firms allow workers to earn their vacation time depending on the number of hours worked, while others determine vacation time off by the length of service provided to the company.
Prioritizing Life Events
There are many reasons why individuals want to take time off from work, even if they are still new to the job. For one, these new employees may have had plans prior to being hired by the company. These include wedding plans, honeymoon, and other similar non-negotiable life events.
Of course, there are also other reasons why people value taking vacations off from work. There are plenty of health benefits of taking vacation leave. These can include alleviating stress and burnout, something which can significantly affect their personal lives. After all, this time off can refresh their minds, bring a new perspective, and boost productivity.
Others also take time off to prioritize their mental health and get into a better mindset. Meanwhile, other people take vacations to improve relationships and even improve their health by reducing the risk of heart disease by as much as 32%.
Waiting Before Taking A Vacation From A New Job
Now that this information is out of the way, newbies who enter the field may be wondering what the appropriate time is before taking time off from a new job. The general rule of thumb for this would be anywhere from three to six months.
The suggested timeframe is ideal for new hires as it allows them to be familiar with the roles and responsibilities required by the company. Moreover, this further assimilates and onboards the individual in question with the company environment, training, and developing skills integral for the position.
In addition to the aforementioned information, the first three to six months are considered a probationary period where new employees are gauged depending on what they bring to the table. This period should demonstrate their commitment and dedication to the company while proving they absorb information during their onboarding period.
This waiting time can depend on various factors, such as the employer, the type of industry that the employee is in, their specific role in the company, and the like. For those who feel that they have performed well from the get-go and who have put their best foot forward, it may already be an excellent time to ask.
Pre-Planned Vacations
For those who have already have a vacation planned prior to being hired, it is best to disclose these plans to the prospective employer before signing or accepting the role. This lets them know that this is part of the condition for accepting the position.
Individuals taking time off early during their onboarding period might have to do so without pay, especially if they have not been granted or have accrued paid vacation time from the company.
How Far In Advance One Should Ask For A Vacation
Scheduling vacation time well ahead of time is a must not just for new hires but anyone in the company. A good starting point would be two to four weeks in advance, but even earlier would be ideal, especially for essential holidays.
Given that the management and the company would likely be dealing with numerous requests for vacation time, during the summer or around Christmas, asking in advance allows them to have a plan in place to cover essential work.
Bear in mind that asking for a vacation too far in advance may also be counterproductive, especially as this can come across overeager. To determine the proper time to request time off, be sure to check with the management and the company policies in place.
Planning In Advance
Letting the employer in question know beforehand about an upcoming trip allows them to gauge how they can find a workaround for work that needs to be done or covered.
This also gives them enough time to find someone who can take over the work or identify how many employees will be taking time off at any given time.
Learning How To Ask For A Vacation
New hires might feel awkward asking for a vacation at their new position. Because of this, the best way for them to go about this is to directly but politely tell the management or the boss in charge that they would like to take time off, rather than “asking” if they could.
This vacation request can either be filed through the office or be sent as an email to the officer in charge. Bear in mind that this email or form should include the dates that the new employee will be absent from and returning to work.
The rule of thumb would be to provide the office with as much information as possible. It is also worth mentioning in the form or emails how the new hire is preparing for their time off work, such as how their tasks will be completed, how the work will be delegated, and the like.
This shows the company the individual’s dedication to the job and how they can remain efficient.
Coordinate With Superiors And Colleagues
It is essential to ask managers for time off in advance. This way, they have the opportunity to reassign work accordingly during the time that the new employee is asking for a vacation.
To have a seamless vacation, it is best that new hires know about the company culture and coordinate with other team members and colleagues. This way, people do not take time off all at the same time.
Coordination with the company also entails signing off work and delegating tasks to others. This can also mean asking someone to cover the position and the task. Since this presents the manager and superiors with an answer, they will most likely agree to the vacation time being asked for.
What To Consider Before Taking A Vacation
It is tempting to leave the new work for that much-needed vacation. However, working in a professional environment entails that new hires asking for some time off also consider how their vacation could impact their reputation, coworkers, and company.
Meeting all the deadlines will help get the favor of the company and other colleagues and boost their capacity in the new position. Considering what one will miss when they are gone and the right timing, such as whether or not the company is busy during the said month or period, if there will be tons of meetings, and the like will go a long way.
Saving vacations for less hectic months, if possible, can also help in the new employee’s favor. Chances are individuals who have yet to grasp the responsibilities of the job and who have yet to fulfill the training requirements will not be allowed to go on a vacation just yet.
However, those who are showing adept skills and a solid grasp of the job may be allowed by the company to go.
Tips For Getting Your Vacation Time Approved
For new employees who are thinking of going on a vacation, one of the tips that will help them would be to put in the work. Showing up and doing the work right, especially during probationary months, will help people gain more respect for doing a job well done.
Timing is everything. With work being done in a fast-paced and often hectic environment, knowing the right time to ask will help new hires to get their vacation time approved at their new job.
Asking during a non-high-volume cycle or month will make managers and colleagues more receptive to the request.
The Takeaway
New employees do not have to forego their travel or vacation plans. By planning correctly and in advance, taking into consideration the industry and the line of work, even newbies can determine not only the optimal time to take a vacation but how to ask for time off.