Is it normal to be asked for specific reasons for taking my annual leave?
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This is my first job, and also the first time my team lead is leading a team. Not sure if it’s the norm, he wants the team to send him an email asking for approval with specific reason before submitting our leave request via HR system.
This feels weird? I am entitled to my AL, why do I have to justify why I am taking my leave?
Edit: To provide more context, it’s only a 1-day leave, not extended leave/ overseas leave
Netizens’ comments
- Technically it’s none of their business to know what you’re doing on your AL. You could just indicate personal family matters or overseas vacation.
- hey youre right, it’s your entitlement and i dont think it’s the norm.
i only had this same request from the HR in my first job (a family run SME) which i simply put “personal matters” as the reason. for my subsequent jobs, i havent had managers asking me for reasons whenever i applied for AL. - This happens more often than not when people get some powers and step beyond their boundaries, asking for things they shouldn’t need to ask.
It’s very subjective, there’s no normal because in the same company different managers will have different requirements.
Actually the fact that AL needs to be approved should be changed too. If we’re supposed to get our AL, then all it takes should be a submission and it ends there. No need for final approval by manager. - Playing the devil’s advocate here, maybe he needs the information so he can answer to his boss when his higher-ups ask him “oh you team so and so on break ah? what happen?”.
Honestly, this kind of practice may just come from the top. If the top dog is very nosy, then the underling all buay song also have to accept :/