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Summary. Personal days are a valuable employee benefit offered by companies in addition to paid time off (PTO) and vacation days. These days are typically utilized for various personal reasons, such as medical appointments, family obligations, or unforeseen emergencies. The policies regarding the use of personal days may vary from one organization to another.
Taking time off for personal reasons is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Personal days allow employees to address personal matters without tapping into their vacation or sick leave.
In this article, we will explore the concept of personal days, when and how to use them, and tips for requesting time off from your supervisor.
Key Takeaways:
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The average number of personal days provided by companies ranges from 5 to 15 days annually.
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Most full-time employees are eligible for personal days as part of their employment package from the outset.
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Unused personal days may either roll over to the following year or be forfeited at year-end, depending on company policy.
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Before requesting a personal day, assess whether a sick day, vacation time, or PTO would be more appropriate.
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Personal days often accrue over time, becoming available after a certain period of employment.
What Are Personal Days at Work?
Personal days are defined as days off granted by employers for personal reasons, separate from PTO and vacation days. Typical uses for personal days include:
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Medical appointments
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Child or dependent care, including medical visits
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Illness of a child or dependent
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Family emergencies
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Legal obligations, such as jury duty
Every organization may have different policies regarding the use of personal days. For instance, some may allow employees to use personal days as sick days if their sick leave is exhausted.
These days can also be taken for mental health breaks or to address personal responsibilities, such as moving, attending significant life events, or taking time for grieving.
When Not to Use a Personal Day
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Sick days. Sick days are specifically for health-related issues, including common illnesses, serious health conditions, or medical procedures.
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Vacation days. Vacation days are intended for extended time away from work, typically for travel or leisure. These days are usually planned well in advance.
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The number of vacation days varies based on tenure and may accrue over time.
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Employees are generally not required to provide proof of a vacation, allowing flexibility for staycations or local trips.
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Vacation days are compensated at regular pay, allowing for stress-free time away. For specific company policies, consult your HR department.
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PTO. PTO encompasses a broader range of leave, including sick leave and vacation. Personal days are typically unplanned, whereas PTO requires advance notice.
How to Ask for a Personal Day
Requesting a personal day may feel awkward, but it’s a legitimate part of your benefits. Here are some steps to effectively ask for a personal day:
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Check in with your team. If your absence is not due to an emergency, review your team’s schedule for any conflicts with deadlines or meetings.
Identify any critical tasks that may need to be rescheduled or delegated.
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Ask for assistance. Coordinate with co-workers to ensure coverage for your responsibilities while you are away. Offering to reciprocate in the future fosters a cooperative work environment.
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Communicate with your manager. While verbal requests are acceptable, it’s beneficial to follow up with an email. Ensure you adhere to your company’s approval processes and mark your absence on your calendar.
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Follow up. Confirm that your team and manager received your request and are aware of your absence. A reminder is especially important for planned PTO or vacation days.
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Show appreciation. Upon returning, express gratitude to colleagues who covered for you. A small token of thanks, like a coffee gift card, can go a long way in maintaining positive relationships.
Tips for Using Personal Days
If you’re concerned about losing personal days or unsure when to take them, consider the following:
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Save them for recharging. While it may be tempting to use personal days for leisure, they should primarily be reserved for times when you need to recuperate or manage pressing personal responsibilities. Mental health is crucial for productivity.
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Plan ahead. When possible, schedule your personal days around important work commitments to minimize disruption.
For example, consider taking a personal day after completing a major project.
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Provide notice. Even if your personal day is sudden, communicate your absence to those affected as soon as possible to show respect for their time and responsibilities.
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Avoid work communications. Establish boundaries by refraining from checking emails or messages during your personal day. Set your status to “Do Not Disturb” and inform your team of your unavailability unless there is a significant emergency.
Personal Day FAQ
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Can your employer deny a personal day?
Yes, an employer may decline a personal day request if you cannot provide adequate justification. Documentation may be required for medical or family emergencies.
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Will my personal days roll over to next year?
Typically, personal days do not roll over to the next year. This policy encourages employees to take time off regularly. Check your company’s specific guidelines.
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Do employers have to offer personal days?
Employers must provide personal days, although they are not always required to be paid. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) mandates vacation and sick days, but payment for personal days is not obligatory.
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Do I have to provide a reason for my personal day?
No, you are not obligated to disclose your reason for taking a personal day. While employers may inquire, you have the right to keep your reasons private if you choose.
References
Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
