Policies around personal time off, also known as PTO, are different for every company. Make sure you understand your company’s policy when planning time away from the office. Some companies have unlimited PTO while other companies have a set number of hours available for PTO and employees can only use their time away after they are with the company for a specific amount of time.
If you are able to accept a role and know that you will need time off within the first few months, as a curtesy, let your future employer know prior to accepting the new role. This will allow you to start the company knowing you will have the PTO available to take when you needed it.
When planning to use PTO, it is important to request the time away and have it approved prior to booking your plans. It is important that your team has the appropriate coverage so operations can continue to run smoothly while you are away.
Now that we have gone over the basics of ensuring that there is coverage, it goes without saying that time away from the office is important. Time away allows you to distress and be ready to engage upon your return. While you are away, take time for yourself and take time to make memories with friends and family. This time away will allow you to recharge and return to the office in a good state of mind.
Sometimes time away is used for personal needs such as illness, doctors’ appointments or sick children. Saving a few days of PTO just in case unforeseen circumstances arise, will give you the peace of mind that you do not run into a tough situation.