[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"guide-payload-how-to-write-the-perfect-time-off-request":3},{"id":4,"cmsSource":5,"title":6,"slug":7,"butterSlug":7,"category":8,"state":8,"legalPage":8,"author":8,"tldr":8,"costBreakdown":9,"summary":10,"featuredImage":8,"featuredImageUrl":11,"featuredImageAlt":8,"hero":12,"headerOverride":14,"tocTitle":8,"hideToc":8,"body":16,"categories":41,"tags":42,"primaryProduct":43,"meta":44,"updatedAt":47,"createdAt":48,"_status":49},566,"payload","How to Write the Perfect Time Off Request: Dos & Don'ts","how-to-write-the-perfect-time-off-request",null,[],"Asking for Paid Time Off or Unpaid Leave? Use this Step-by-Step Guide Taking time away from work but worried about getting your request approved? Master the art of crafting the flawless time off request with our detailed advice.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.buttercms.com\u002FYbzjeDudTFe74wLsXB6I",{"overline":13,"title":6,"subtitle":13},"",{"title":8,"link":8,"cta":15},"Get Started",[17,21,26,32,35],{"id":18,"content":8,"legacyHtml":19,"blockName":8,"blockType":20},"6a0c81712977de005941d67b","\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">Asking for time off can be nerve-wracking, but a thoughtful, professional time off request letter can go a long way towards getting your time off request approved based on your company's time off policy. Master the art of crafting the flawless time off request with our detailed advice. \u003C\u002Fp>","guide-rich-text",{"id":22,"image":8,"imageUrl":23,"alt":24,"caption":8,"blockName":8,"blockType":25},"6a0c81712977de005941d67c","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.buttercms.com\u002FXIBI3F6SSTiKF0JhaNg8","undefined","guide-image",{"id":27,"level":28,"text":29,"anchorId":30,"blockName":8,"blockType":31},"6a0c81712977de005941d67d","h2","Key Dos & Don'ts for Approval","key-dos-donts-for-approval","guide-heading",{"id":33,"content":8,"legacyHtml":34,"blockName":8,"blockType":20},"6a0c81712977de005941d67e","\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u003Cstrong>DO:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul class=\"ln-list ln-list--arrow\">\n\u003Cli index=\"0\">\u003Cstrong>Check your time off policy.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Make sure you understand your company's formal paid time off or unpaid time off guidelines for submitting a time off request email, letter, or form before drafting your request. This will help you make sure your time off request follows the proper protocol.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli index=\"1\">\u003Cstrong>Be specific about dates.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Clearly state the start and end dates of the time period you are requesting off. This reduces confusion and allows the time off request tracking system to record the correct days.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli index=\"2\">\u003Cstrong>Explain why you need the time off.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Whether it is a wedding, doctor's appointment, or just a mental break, provide the reason you are asking for the paid time off or unpaid time off. More context helps managers understand the importance as they evaluate the time off request approval process.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli index=\"3\">\u003Cstrong>Suggest coverage options.\u003C\u002Fstrong> If possible, include one or two ideas for colleagues who could cover critical work while you are gone. This shows you are thinking of the department's needs while you submit your time off request form or email.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli index=\"4\">\u003Cstrong>Thank your manager.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Expressing gratitude and appreciation can help leave a good last impression as your time off request goes through the approval process.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u003Cstrong>DON'T:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul class=\"ln-list ln-list--arrow\">\n\u003Cli index=\"0\">\u003Cstrong>Demand time off.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Make sure your time off request letter or email uses polite, formal language. Words like \"expect\" or \"require\" can sound demanding.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli index=\"1\">\u003Cstrong>Submit last minute.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Give as much advance notice as realistically possible and adhere to any rules governing time off request submission deadlines. Last-minute time off requests are much harder to accommodate.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli index=\"2\">\u003Cstrong>Be vague.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Clearly specify the exact days\u002Ftimes you need off, so there is no room for confusion.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli index=\"3\">\u003Cstrong>Exaggerate reasons.\u003C\u002Fstrong> While more detail can help, take care not to overstate or bend the truth. Dishonesty erodes trustworthiness.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli index=\"4\">\u003Cstrong>Forget to follow up.\u003C\u002Fstrong> After submitting the letter, follow up in person or by email to confirm your manager received the request.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Follow these simple dos and don'ts regarding best practices for drafting a thoughtful, professional time off request that follows company guidelines. Taking the effort to submit a clearly well-drafted time off request shows respect for your manager's time and makes approval more likely. \u003C\u002Fp>",{"id":36,"variant":37,"productName":38,"link":39,"cta":15,"message":8,"blockName":8,"blockType":40},"6a0c81712977de005941d67f","document","Time Off Request","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fcategories\u002Fhuman-resources\u002Ftime-off-request","guide-product-cta",[],[],{"name":8,"slug":8,"productVersionSlug":8},{"title":45,"description":46,"keyword":8,"ogImage":8},"How to Write the Perfect Time Off Request","Asking for paid time off or unpaid leave? Use this step-by-step guide to request time away from work.","2026-09-18T09:57:05.474Z","2026-05-19T15:27:45.916Z","published"]