Five days. That is the number of days employees in the Philippines are entitled to take time off from work and get paid. If your company offers more days than that, God bless ‘em. By law (labor law), local employers must provide employees with five days of paid leave after a year of service. Known as the Service Incentive Leave (SIL), and mandated by Article 95(a) of the Labor Code, it’s separate from the vacation leave and sick leave benefits some companies offer. The former is mandatory for employers and the latter is an incentive that entice the best candidates for a job.
In theory, you could have more than 10 days of paid time off from work; in some global companies, like Netflix and LinkedIn, you might even have unlimited leaves. Although you have a right to time off, taking a leave of absence from work requires a reason. What is a valid reason for a leave?
Valid Reasons for Filing a Leave at Work
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Vacation Leave
Everyone needs a break to relax and recharge. Vacation leave allows you to take time off for personal leisure, travel, or to spend quality time with family and friends.
Request vacation time well in advance to allow your employer and colleagues to plan for your absence. Provide a clear start and end date for your leave and ensure that your responsibilities are covered during your absence.
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Sick Leave
Illness or medical conditions means taking a sick leave to focus on recovery without jeopardizing your health or spreading illness to colleagues.
Under the Magna Carta, women have more valid reasons for leave of absence in the Philippines through the special leave benefit. It’s applicable if you’ve been diagnosed with gynecological disorders. You may also use this type of leave if you’ve had surgical procedures, such as hysterectomy, ovariectomy, mastectomy and other procedures involving the female reproductive system. Your leave request must come with a certification from your physician.
Notify your supervisor as soon as possible when you’re unwell. If it’s a prolonged illness, keep your employer informed about your condition and provide medical documentation if required. Be transparent about your expected return date.
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Family or Personal Emergency
Family emergencies, such as the illness of a family member or unexpected personal matters, may necessitate taking leave to address urgent matters. Disclose only what you’re comfortable with and provide just enough details to justify your request for a personal time off. For example, if you must be with a parent during a chemotherapy treatment, mention that it’s for a medical treatment.
Communicate the nature of the emergency without divulging excessive personal details. Provide as much notice as possible and discuss the potential impact on your workload and how you plan to manage your responsibilities during your absence.
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Maternity or Paternity Leave
Maternity and paternity leave allows new parents to bond with their child and adjust to the new family dynamics without the pressure of work.
Follow company policies regarding maternity or paternity leave. Communicate your plans well in advance, and if possible, provide an estimate of your return date. Discuss a plan for the transition of your responsibilities during your absence.
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Bereavement Leave
The loss of a loved one can be emotionally challenging. Bereavement leave allows employees to grieve and attend to funeral arrangements.
Inform your employer as soon as possible, providing details about the situation. Respect company policies regarding the duration of bereavement leave and discuss arrangements for covering your workload.
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Personal Development Leave
Employees may seek personal development leave to pursue educational opportunities, attend workshops, or engage in self-improvement activities.
Clearly articulate the benefits of the personal development opportunity to your professional growth and its potential positive impact on your role. Discuss how you plan to integrate the acquired skills or knowledge upon your return.
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Violence Against Women and Children Leave
Another form of leave that is mandated by law is the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Leave. Under the VAWC Act (R.A. No. 9262), women may apply for a paid leave of up to 10 days at any time during the application of any protection order, investigation, prosecution or trial of the criminal case.
As is the case with a personal leave, disclose only what is comfortable and necessary when filing this sensitive and valid reason for leave of absence from work.
Some businesses may offer employees other leaves, like birthday leave, furternity leave (for people with pets), sabbatical leave (which is a privilege for employees who have been with a company for several years), and nonsmokers’ leave (which is an out-of-the-box idea from Japan).
How to Request Your Leave Professionally
Make a Plan
Request leave well in advance whenever possible to allow for proper planning and coordination.
Provide Clear Information
Clearly communicate the reason for your leave, the expected duration, and any relevant details.
Follow Company Policies
Adhere to your company’s leave policies and procedures to ensure a smooth process.
Discuss Workload Coverage
Clearly outline your plan for covering your responsibilities during your absence, especially if it’s going to be a lengthy one. Offer solutions and suggest colleagues who can provide support.
Be Transparent
If applicable, share any necessary documentation, such as medical certificates or event details, to support your leave request.
Maintain Open Communication
Keep your supervisor and relevant colleagues informed about any changes to your return date or unforeseen circumstances during your leave.
Be Professional
Approach your leave request with a professional tone in written or verbal communication. Express gratitude for the understanding and support of your team.
Get Time Off from Work
Every employee has a right to take paid time off from work. You need it to recharge. Although it’s admirable to go through an entire year without getting sick or spending some personal time, you may be doing it to the detriment of your health and well-being.
Don’t horde your leaves; take them when possible. Be clear about your reason for leave at work. Follow your company’s policies. When you have a manageable plan before taking time off, everything will be organized upon your return to the office.
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