Q1 2024 Product Updates

We’re excited to introduce a new series of articles that keep you updated on the latest features and improvements in Vacation Tracker. Our ongoing mission is to make managing time off simpler and more efficient, and we have some fantastic updates this quarter. 

These articles are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive overview of the new features and improvements we’ve implemented. By staying informed, you can make the most of our platform and utilize the latest tools available to you. 

In this edition, we’ll discuss several key updates designed to improve your experience and streamline your workflow:

• TOIL (Time Off in Lieu)

• Seniority Entitlement Automation

• Blackout Period Automation

• Shared Team Leave Calendars

• Substitute Approvers

• Open API 

• Data Import Templates

TOIL (Time Off in Lieu)

Time off in lieu, often abbreviated as TOIL, is a practice where employees who work extra hours (overtime) are given additional time off instead of receiving overtime pay. 

For example, if an employee works extra hours one week, they can take those extra hours as leave at a later date. This helps balance their work and personal life, offering flexibility and an alternative to monetary compensation for overtime work.

With Vacation Tracker, you no longer have to track TOIL manually. Users can now easily request TOIL for days they’ve already worked, including today. By selecting the specific days they worked overtime, and once approved, the requested days are added to their base leave quota. 

This feature is part of our Complete plan.

Learn more about TOIL on our Helpdesk.

The Seniority Entitlement Automation

The Seniority Entitlement automation in Vacation Tracker is designed to reward long-term employees with additional leave benefits based on their tenure. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Automatic Calculation: The system automatically calculates leave entitlements based on the length of an employee’s service. 

• Tiered Benefits: Employees earn additional leave days as they reach specific milestones, such as 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years with the company. 

• Streamlined Management: This automation removes the need for manual tracking, ensuring that all eligible employees receive their entitled benefits without any administrative hassle. 

This feature helps recognize and reward loyal employees, making it easier to manage leave policies that reflect their commitment and dedication.

Learn more about the Seniority Entitlement automation.

The Blackout Period Automation

The Blackout Period automation in Vacation Tracker helps manage staffing during critical times by preventing employees from taking leave during high-demand periods. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Define Blackout Periods: Administrators can set specific dates or periods during which leave requests are restricted. This is useful during busy seasons, important projects, or peak times. 

• Automated Enforcement: The system automatically enforces these blackout periods, ensuring that no leave requests can be submitted or approved during these times.

• Improved Planning: This automation helps maintain optimal staffing levels and ensures business operations run smoothly during crucial periods. 

With Blackout Period automation, you can easily manage and communicate peak times when taking leave is not possible, ensuring better planning and resource management.

Learn more about the Blackout Period automation.

Shared Team Leave Calendars

You can now effortlessly share leave information with relevant departments. This helps everyone stay informed and coordinated, reducing the chances of scheduling conflicts. 

Key Benefits:

• Improved Communication: Keep all team members up-to-date with who is on leave and when.

• Streamlined Coordination: Ensure better planning and resource allocation by having a clear view of everyone’s availability. 

• Customizable Views: Tailor the calendar to show leave data specific to departments, locations, or the entire organization. 

With Shared Team Leave Calendars, managing team schedules becomes more transparent and efficient.

This feature is part of our Complete plan.

Learn how to connect to a shared/existing calendar.

Substitute Approvers

The Substitute Approvers feature in Vacation Tracker allows you to assign a temporary approver to manage leave requests when the primary approver is unavailable. 

Key Benefits: 

• Continuous Workflow: Ensure leave requests are still processed even when the primary approver is on leave or away.

• Flexibility: Easily assign and change substitute approvers as needed. 

• Efficiency: Prevent delays in leave approvals and maintain smooth operations. 

With Substitute Approvers, you can ensure that your leave management process remains uninterrupted, even during absences.

This feature is part of our Complete plan.

Learn more about Substitute Approvers in Vacation Tracker.

Additional noteworthy mentions…

Open API

Introducing a game-changer for your system integration needs - Vacation Tracker’s Open API. Acting as a one-way bridge, our API connects the Vacation Tracker application with other systems or applications you use, enabling the efficient and automatic transfer of data.

If you are interested in using this feature, please contact our Sales team at sales@vacationtracker.io 

Data Import Templates

The Leave Data Import feature in Vacation Tracker allows you to seamlessly bring your existing leave information into our system, perfect for mid-year starts or consolidating your leave history.

Learn more about importing leave data into Vacation Tracker.

We hope these new features and improvements make managing time off even easier for you. Our goal is to continuously update Vacation Tracker to better meet your needs. 

Remember to keep an eye on our Changelog for upcoming features, and support articles to help you get the most out of these new features. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our support team is always here to help. 

Not using Vacation Tracker yet? No problem! Sign up today and enjoy a free 7-day trial with all features included.

Easy PTO tracking, right at your fingertips.

Automate leave policies, improve visibility and plan better

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Aleksandra Cvetkovic

Aleksandra has been with the team since day one, bringing her passion for all things marketing.