Leave Request Rejected: What Can I Do When My Company Says No?

I applied for leave in my company one month ago, but they rejected my request. Is there anything I can do about it?

Dear Shagun Padiyar,

Your leave application was turned down, but by whom? Was it your reporting manager, HOD, or someone else? Was the application approved by your reporting manager but turned down by a higher authority? If so, you may discuss the matter with the reporting manager and persuade him to talk to the authorities concerned on your behalf.

Has the person who turned down your leave application given reasons for doing so? Is the customer visit or any inspection clashing with your leave?

Did you find out how the work continuity can be maintained despite your absence?

If taking leave is essential, then talk to the authorities concerned and explain to them why your presence is necessary to attend to the pressing matter. You need to use negotiation techniques. Be ready for some compromise. While discussing the matter, keep your emotions under control, else it could complicate the situation.

Lastly, most companies insert a maxim in their leave policy: "leave is a privilege and not an entitlement." What about your company's leave policy? Have you checked it?

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Shagun Padiyar,

You need to talk with the person responsible for sanctioning leave. Explain to them why you applied for this leave in advance, including details like purchasing tickets, hotel bookings, and the fact that the event cannot be postponed. Mention that you are willing to take leave without pay (LOP) because the priority cannot be compromised. Additionally, express that you would consider quitting the job if the management is contemplating any disciplinary action, as this could be a solution for both parties.

Understanding Leave Policies

Leave is a privilege and not a right, at least to some extent. Therefore, you need to apply and get approval for it. Please check your company's standing orders, which will outline the process of application, approval, and rejection. If there is no specific process, then the normal commercial process is followed.

Steps to Take if Leave is Denied

If the company does not grant your leave, then you should report to work. Depending on your company's structure and size, you can take the matter up with HR, the HR Head, or perhaps the reporting manager's manager. In most cases, the company will not deny leave just for the sake of it.