We have started a new segment allowing potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This months question is: Can Vacation Requests be Approved Based on “Reason”?

QUESTION: When I put in a request for vacation days, my boss requires me to put the reason for taking the day off. I tried to skip it a few times but she comes to me to ask what I’m doing. She also makes her decision to approve or deny my request based on if she thinks it’s a good reason for taking the day off. Is that legal? Can she deny vacation days because she doesn’t feel like it’s a good enough reason to not be at work? How do I approach this? 

ANSWER: Vacation days are a benefit that the company offers, not a requirement. It is technically legal, but it’s not a good practice. However, as an employee you are not required to disclose your personal information to your employer. Vacation requests should be considered based upon need. When I am considering an employees vacation request, I look at how many people have already requested off for that date. If too many people are off and we do not have enough people to keep business moving, then that is a reason for denying the request.

I would suggest getting a copy of the handbook to see what the company guidelines are for submitting vacation days. Try using the word “personal” on your request as the reason and see if that satisfies your boss’ curiosity. If not, you are allowed to be vague in your response. There absolutely should not be any retribution for that.

Please contact us at the link if you have a question you want answered.  We will feature one frequently asked question a month.