How to remind your boss about vacation time

The problem: bosses forget

Managers often forget about your paid time off even when you told them. What matters to you may not register as important to your boss. Overcommunication is the solution.

“We're all better off when we overcommunicate by saying the same thing two or three times.”

Four to six weeks before

Request time off four to six weeks in advance. Log it into your organization's time-off system or email your boss with a clear subject line. Get written approval.

Two weeks out: speak up

Remind your boss and colleagues verbally in meetings. Mention it at the end of your weekly one-on-one with your manager and in team meetings after pressing business is done.

One week out: write it down

Email or message clients and other departments a week before you leave. Use email, Slack, or Microsoft Teams depending on how you normally communicate with them.

Two business days before

Send a formatted message to everyone who needs to know. Start with a bold sentence: I will be out beginning DATE. I will be back on DATE. Put coverage details in a separate paragraph.

“Just a reminder, I will be out beginning DATE. I will be back on DATE.”

The day you leave: set status

Set your status in Slack or Teams to show you are out. Add an emoji like a palm tree or airplane. Use the status message to tell everyone when you will be available again.

First day off: final backup

For forgetful bosses, set up an automated message at eight thirty am on your first day off. Keep it brief, kind, and humorous. The goal is to be helpful, not make them feel bad.