Personal leave: Overview, definition and example
What is personal leave?
Personal leave refers to time off from work that an employee takes for personal reasons, which could include illness, family emergencies, personal business, or other personal matters. Unlike vacation or sick leave, personal leave is typically granted for situations that do not fall into specific categories such as vacation or illness but still require the employee’s absence from work. Personal leave may be paid or unpaid, depending on the terms of the employment contract, company policy, or applicable laws.
Personal leave is often granted to employees as part of an overall benefits package, and its usage is typically subject to employer approval and notice requirements.
Why is personal leave important?
Personal leave is important because it provides employees with flexibility to address personal matters without the fear of losing their job or pay. It allows employees to manage personal emergencies or situations, such as caring for a sick family member, attending to legal matters, or dealing with personal health issues. For employers, offering personal leave helps ensure a supportive work environment, improves employee satisfaction, and may contribute to employee retention.
In contracts or workplace policies, personal leave provisions outline the conditions under which employees may take leave, the amount of leave available, and any requirements for approval or documentation.
Understanding personal leave through an example
An employee experiences a family emergency and needs time off to care for a relative. The employee informs their employer of the situation and requests personal leave. Under the company's personal leave policy, the employee is granted three days of paid leave to handle the situation. The employee returns to work after the leave, and the time off is recorded as personal leave.
An example of a personal leave clause
Here’s how a personal leave clause might appear in an employment contract:
“The Employee is entitled to [Insert Number of Days] of personal leave per year. Personal leave may be used for personal or family emergencies or other personal matters that require time away from work. The Employee must provide at least [Insert Number of Days] notice to the Employer, and the Employer reserves the right to approve or deny the request based on the needs of the business. Any unused personal leave may not carry over to the next year.”
Conclusion
Personal leave provides employees with the flexibility to take time off for personal reasons that are not specifically covered by other leave types, such as vacation or sick leave. Clear personal leave provisions in employment contracts or workplace policies help define the amount of leave available, the process for requesting time off, and any conditions related to its use. By offering personal leave, employers can create a more supportive and responsive work environment that accommodates employees' personal needs.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.