“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy”. This is an age old saying but has not been written without any reason. In today’s competitive world to stay on the “treadmill of work” people slog their life out but it is equally essential for them to take a break. Leaves are very rejuvenating and when a person comes back from a leave, efficiency is definitely higher.
Every company has its own leave policies and all employees need to abide by them. A Leave Letter is the one that is written by an employee to inform the organization of the dates when s/he will be out of office. The reason for applying for leave may vary. For example, leave can be due to employee’s ill health, going on vacation with family, a mishap in the family, etc. Obviously if there is a mishap in the family or the employee is unwell, then the employee will not be in a position to give enough notice because these things happen all of a sudden. However, for leave request for a vacation, enough notice will need to be given.
A Leave Letter should be short and crisp. It should give all relevant details related to the leave. The Leave Letter should ideally be addressed either to ones immediate superior or to the HR department. It is always ethical to take prior sanction before proceeding on leave. The letter should clearly state when the employee joins back because the organization will have to make alternate arrangements accordingly. The reason for leave is an important component of the Leave Letter. If there is any assignment the due date of which is approaching, then that too should be mentioned in the letter ensuring that the work is done even during the employee’s absence.
DOS AND DON’T’S OF LEAVE LETTER
- A Leave Letter should preferably be given well ahead of the period when leave is to be availed except in cases of emergency
- The letter should be addressed to the immediate superior or HR department
- The reason for applying for leave should be clearly mentioned in the letter
- What type of leave is being taken (Casual/Sick/Earned), if mentioned, is an added advantage
- The Leave Letter should be brief
- All relevant details, such as period of leave, joining date, etc should be mentioned in the letter
- If there is any assignment that will become due during absence, please mention its details also in the letter
- A Leave Letter is a request so please do not sound authoritative
