Whether you're running the show, in HR, or part of the team, knowing the different types of leave can help create a supportive and flexible environment that works better for everyone.
Sometimes people need time off to deal with personal stuff, look after their health, or spend time with family, and they shouldn't have to worry about their job while they do. That's where a leave of absence comes in, offering that crucial time away.
Now, with quite a few different types of leave out there, it can feel like trying to keep track of too many things at once.
But don't worry! In this guide, we're going to take a look at 17 different kinds of leave. By the end, you'll have a much clearer idea of the leave options that might be available to you or your employees. Let's get started and make sense of it all from your regular annual leave to things like adverse weather leave.
What is a leave of absence?
It's basically when an employee needs to take some time away from their job for different personal or professional reasons. This time off can be paid, where they still receive their usual salary, or unpaid, depending on the specific type of leave and what the company rules say.
The length of a leave can also vary quite a bit. It could be just a few hours for an appointment, or it could stretch out to several months if someone needs to deal with a more significant situation. It depends on the reason for the leave and the company's policies.
Why does a leave of absence matter?
Life can throw some curveballs, and sometimes it just feels plain draining. That's why having the option of a leave of absence is so important. It helps people balance their work life with everything else that's going on, and it's a great way to prevent that dreaded burnout. Plus, it sends employees a clear message that their wellbeing matters to the company.
When people feel like they can take the time they need without a hassle, they're much more likely to return to work feeling refreshed and ready to focus. This isn't just good for the individual; it also helps create a better, more productive workplace overall, where people can bring their best energy to what they do.
17 different types of leave
Now that we've got a good handle on what a leave of absence is and why it's so important, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. Here are 17 different types of leave you might want to consider including in your company's leave policy. Let's get started!
1. Annual leave
Think of this as your classic paid time off (PTO). It's the leave employees can use for holidays, staycations, or just a random day off because, well, why not? Most places give you a set number of these days each year, often depending on how long you've been with the company. Sadly, many people in the US don't get paid vacation, which is a bit of a bummer. But in some countries, it's actually the law to give people this time off.
2. Sick leave
When the dreaded blocked sinuses hit or you just need to look after your health, sick leave is your best friend. It lets you take time to recover without worrying about losing pay or your job. Even though it's not a legal must-have everywhere, many companies offer a certain number of sick days each year to help people get back to their best. It also helps stop the rest of the team in the office from getting sick, too.
3. Bereavement leave
This is the time off you get when you lose a family member or someone close to you. It’s there to give you space to grieve and sort things out without the added pressure of work. The amount of time can vary depending on the company, but it’s all about acknowledging that life outside of work is important, especially during tough times.
4. Maternity leave
This one’s for moms-to-be, giving them time off before and after they have their little one. It’s an important time for them to recover from childbirth and bond with their new baby without stressing about work. Loads of countries actually legally require companies to offer maternity leave, often with pay, because, you know, families are important!
5. Paternity leave
Not forgetting the dads! Paternity leave gives new fathers time to support their partner and bond with their new arrival too. Just like maternity, paternity leave is all about family time and reducing stress for new parents. Policies can differ depending on where you are and who you work for.
6. Family and medical leave (FMLA)
The family and medical leave act (FMLA) basically says that eligible employees can get up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave each year for things like a serious health issue, looking after a sick family member, or welcoming a new baby.
7. Religious holiday leave
This allows employees to take time off for religious holidays that aren't already covered as public holidays. It’s a way for companies to show they respect different beliefs and create a more inclusive environment. Usually, they just ask that you give them a heads-up so they can plan accordingly.
8. Public holidays leave
These are your standard paid days off for national holidays, like Christmas, New Year's, or whatever your country celebrates. There’s usually a set list, and sometimes if you have to work on these days, you might get extra pay or time off later. Sweet!
9. Jury duty leave
If you get the call to serve on a jury, this leave has got you covered. In many places, employers legally have to give you the time off, and some even keep paying you while you’re doing your civic duty. It’s all part of making sure the justice system works and supporting employees in fulfilling their obligations.
10. Voting leave
This one’s to make sure everyone gets a chance to cast their vote, especially during elections. In the US, the amount of time off can vary by state, but it’s usually an hour or two. Some places might even require employers to give you paid time off to go and vote. It’s all about encouraging people to participate in democracy!
11. Military leave
For those who serve in the military or get called up for active duty, military leave provides time off and usually job protection for when they return. It’s a company’s way of supporting employees who are also serving their country.
12. Compensatory leave
Ever worked extra hours or on a holiday? Well, “comp time” is like a thank you in the form of paid time off later on. It’s a good way to make sure that extra effort doesn’t lead to burnout – a chance to recharge those batteries!
13. Privilege leave
Also known as earned leave, this is the kind of leave you build up over time and can use for longer breaks. Unlike those last-minute casual days, you usually need to get this approved beforehand, and in many companies, you can even carry some over to the next year. Perfect for those big vacation plans!
14. Casual leave
This is your go-to for those short-notice things like a doctor’s appointment, a sudden emergency, or just needing a quick breather. Unlike other leaves, you often don’t need to give loads of warning, which gives you some flexibility for those unexpected moments.
15. Study leave
If someone on your team is hitting the books for further education or professional qualifications, study leave gives them time off for classes, exams, or research. Some companies are awesome and offer paid study leave as they see it as investing in their employees’ growth, while others might offer unpaid time.
16. Sabbatical leave
This is like a super extended break, often lasting from a few months to a whole year, usually given after someone’s been with the company for a good chunk of time. It’s a chance for them to focus on personal development, do some research, or chase those passion projects without losing their job.
17. Adverse weather leave
When Mother Nature throws a tantrum with crazy weather, this leave kicks in. It means employees don’t have to risk their safety to get to work and won’t lose pay or get penalized for staying safe during things like big storms or heavy snow. Some companies also offer the option to work from home if possible during these times.
How to keep things running smoothly when it comes to leave management
Okay, so you're a manager wondering how to juggle all this leave stuff without things going completely sideways? Good thinking ahead!
Here are a few things you can do to manage leaves of absence like a total pro:
- Establish clear leave policies: Be crystal clear on your leave policies for every type – annual leave, sick leave, the whole thing. Make sure everyone knows what their options are and exactly how to go about requesting time off. No one likes guessing games when it comes to their time off.
- Keep communication open: Encourage a workplace where people feel comfortable talking about their leave needs early on. This heads-up helps plan and avoids those last-minute "Surprise! I'm out!" moments that can throw a wrench in the works.
- Use a leave management system: Invest in leave management software like Timetastic! These tools can be lifesavers for tracking all those different leave types, automating approvals, and giving everyone a clear view of who's off and when. No more scribbling on calendars!
- Get your team cross-training: Get your team skilled up in more than one area. That way, if someone's off there's always someone else who can step in and keep things running smoothly. Think of it as having understudies for every role.
- Keep an eye on leave data: Regularly check out your leave data and feedback. Spotting trends, like a sudden spike in sick leave when the sniffles are going around, can help you get ahead of potential issues and address the root causes.
- Support employee wellbeing: When someone needs to take leave, show some empathy and support. It goes a long way in boosting morale and building trust within your team. Remember, everyone's human, and life happens.
The ultimate solution to keep track of employee leave: Timetastic!
Juggling all these different types of leave can feel like trying to conduct an orchestra with only one hand – a bit chaotic! That's where having a slick leave management solution, like Timetastic, can be a total game-changer.
Think of Timetastic as your super-organized assistant for all things time off. It lets you:
- Keep tabs on annual leave, sick days, family leave, and pretty much any other type of leave you can think of! All in one easy-to-use spot.
- Get the heads-up the moment someone puts in a leave request, so you can approve it or see if they're nearing their limit. No more missed emails or sticky note reminders.
- Set up your own company's special leave types, rules, and limits to fit exactly what you need.
- Integrate with your favourite calendar app, so you've always got the team's leave info right there when you need it.
Want to see how it all works? You can give our FREE one-month trial a go. Or, if you'd prefer a personal tour, just get in touch with our support team to arrange a free demo. We're always happy to chat!