Who Doesn't Need a Vacation?
CEA - California Employers Association
Supporting employers since 1937.
By Kim Gusman , President and CEO
Q: Summer is starting to wind down and school will be starting soon, but there's still warm weather in the forecast. My employees are asking for some last-minute vacation requests and I can’t say yes to them. What is the best way to handle these requests for time off?
A: California employers are not required to provide vacation or paid time off, but if your company chooses to, it’s crucial to have a clear policy that specifies exactly?how much vacation is offered,?how and when vacation time is accrued, and the?maximum amount an employee can accrue or rollover each year.?Also, specify any “blackout dates” when your company won’t honor time off requests, and last but not least, explain precisely how employees should request time off.?Include a statement about management’s ability to deny a request based on a labor shortage or increased production demands.?Other helpful tips include a first come, first served policy and/or a limit to how many employees can be out in a specific department at one time.
If your organization combines vacation and paid sick leave into a single paid time off (PTO) policy, be aware that denying a time off request could pose problems for you.?Employees are entitled to a minimum of three paid sick days each year in California, and employers are not allowed to question nor deny these paid days off.?
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Being transparent with employees and working with them to find an amicable compromise (I can’t give you Monday—Friday but I could give you Wednesday—Saturday) is always a good plan.
Once you have your policies in place, make sure your managers know how to respond to time-off requests so that your company can ensure consistent and fair practices for all employees.
Do Your Policies Expose or Protect You??
Contact?CEA’s HR Support Team?to discuss any questions you may have on managing vacation and leave policies at 800.399.5331. And, check out our upcoming virtual?HR Essentials?certification series for a great refresher on HR laws in California!