How To Set Up A Leave Request Notice Period?

We're going to be taking a closer look at one of our automations, Leave Request Notice Period.

You can watch our “Leave Request Notice Period” tutorial on YouTube or continue reading this article: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JsVwKsFh6I4?si=4So2c6lquB7jg0Lu" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

| It's important to note that this particular automation is actually free for all users, regardless of the plan you're on. So, if you're on Core, Complete, or even just starting a free trial for the very first time, you will have access to this automation at no additional charge.  

Essentially, this automation allows you to implement and automate a policy in which employees are required to provide advanced notice for longer amounts of leave.  

So, as an example, let's say an employee wants to take one month of vacation. You would require 3 months of advanced notice. That way, you can plan around their absence. 

1.  Log in to the vacation tracker account using app.vacationtracker.io/signin 
2. On the left-hand side click on Workspace Settings > Automations.
3. Click on “Leave Request Notice Period”. You'll need to ensure that it is activated before you start using it. 

4. Click on the create policy button.  

The first step in creating a policy with a leave request notice duration automation is deciding on a name—something descriptive makes it easier to recognize later, especially if you have multiple policies.  

For this example, we used “long-term leave.”  

5. Determine two key pieces of information - how much “leave” and how much “notice” are required. 

In this example we used 20 working days of leave, to be requested at least 90 days (or 3 months) in advance. The auto reject response is the message employees will see if they don’t meet these requirements, and it’s customizable to match your organization’s tone.  

The policy can be applied to all users by default:

• If selected “Yes” to “Apply to all users” - or tailored by location, department, or special projects using labels – if selected “No”. 

Leave types affected can also be customized—here, only “paid time off” and “vacation” are selected, while others like “volunteer work” and “work from home” are deselected. 

6. Once done, click Save.

Once saved, the system implements the policy, and it can be toggled on or off as needed. When employees request long-term leave at the last minute, their request will be rejected, and they’ll see the message explaining the policy. 

Extended vacations now mean extended notice for managers.