Managing Employee Time-off Requests
To effectively manage time-off requests in your retail stores, establish a clear policy that includes a formal request process and a system in place for tracking and approving/denying requests. The goal is to alleviate disruptions to store operations while being fair and minimizing scheduling conflicts. As always, success requires good communication.
Here’s the TL;DR version:
Have clear policies in place
Be logical in your policies, as well as with exceptions
Be fair, treating each employee— or at least those with the same job level— the same
Be as open to requests as possible, while ensuring your business still functions properly
Make sure your policies are explained to employees when (or before) they are hired and issue reminders periodically to all staff members
Continue reading for specifics on the different types of time-off requests, policy specifics and input from five retailers about the topic, including shift swapping and limiting requests during the holiday season and other peak times.