How to ask to leave work early
Corporate systems are slowly evolving away from rigid timetables that all employees must follow towards structures that allow for remote work and unlimited paid time off. Companies are beginning to realize that if an employee can maintain their productive output and meet the targets set for them, it doesn’t matter how many hours they spend inside the office.
However, it is important to remember that most people still work in conventional 9-5 jobs where they have to arrive on time and can only leave after work hours. If you are a member of such an organization and have a personal matter that requires your attention during work hours, here are tips you can follow to ensure you know how to ask to leave work early without upsetting your superiors.
Tip # 1: Create a Repertoire With Your Managers
Many employees within an organization live complex lives and may be required to deal with personal, health, and family issues during work hours. Often what a senior may perceive as a random excuse versus a genuine reason to leave work depends on the amount of context they have about the employee. This is why establishing a relationship with your superiors is so important. You won’t have to worry about how to ask to leave work early if they have a clear idea of the multiple obligations and responsibilities that may divert your attention from work from time to time.
Take this example: you work close to your sick aunt, who may require medical attention, for which she will contact you due to proximity. If your employer is aware of this before any emergency, they are much more likely to empathize with your problem and see it as a genuine reason to leave work.
Tip # 2: Always Inform Your Superiors Beforehand
Informing your superiors about any early leaves you may take will ensure they do not create any issues. The ideal time to tell your superiors is as soon as you find out you may need to leave early. When considering how to ask to leave work early, always give adequate notice so that employers have time to prepare for your early departure.
The best time to tell your superiors is as soon as you find out that you may have obligations requiring you to leave work early. If you have a dentist’s appointment, make sure to tell your superiors as soon as the appointment is confirmed rather than on the scheduled day.
It may be impossible to inform your superiors beforehand in case of an emergency that requires your attention, but even here, employees should try to inform their employers as soon as possible.
Tip # 3: Show Intent To Finish Your Workload
When you leave work early, your seniors are likely most concerned with how they will manage your workload for that day. All employees have targets and objectives the company expects them to meet for the organization to be productive and profitable. Someone who is dedicated to their job, always diligent with their tasks, and does not create issues for their seniors is less likely to experience problems when asking for an early leave.
When considering how to ask to leave work early, think about the many steps you can take to mitigate the effect of your absence from the office. This can include talking to a colleague and informing them about the nature of your tasks so they can step in for you when you leave. This will make your seniors feel much more secure about you leaving since they know someone else within the company is managing your workload. Other assurances you can give include letting your seniors know you will continue your work responsibilities remotely for the day or giving them a deadline within which you expect to finish the day’s work.
Tip # 4: Try Not To Make It A Habit
Employers and managers are usually sympathetic to the concerns of their employees and recognize that any person may have to leave early to attend to some personal matter. For this reason, and because it is a requirement of the law, all companies give their employees paid leaves.
So you shouldn’t get too stressed about how to ask to leave work early in fear of negative consequences. However, while all employees are entitled to a holiday or half day now and then, you mustn’t make it a routine habit. You do not want to take your leaves in a fashion where your absence is particularly impactful or of note. It is why people are advised against taking all their leaves together. It gives the impression that they are not invested in their work and cannot be relied on for important matters.
If you have an important event that requires you to take a half day, manage the rest of your week more productively and smartly. Make sure other appointments and obligations happen during your breaks or after work. If you manage to do this, you can take the same number of days off without creating a negative impression.
FAQs
How to ask to leave work early if you are working from home?
If you are a remote worker who needs a half day or a day off, the best course of action is to schedule a Zoom call with your superior to inform them about your issue. If this is not possible, try to email them in advance.
How to ask to leave work early if you are an in-house employee?
You should schedule a one-on-one meeting with your superior, ideally at least a day before you plan to leave early, to inform them about your issue and give them notice.
How to ask to leave work early if you’re in an emergency?
It may be impossible to give your employer adequate notice about an emergency you were not expecting. Try to inform them as soon as you can and schedule a meeting where you can go over what happened when you return to work.
Conclusion
All employees need to take days off and half days every now and then to deal with the complex issues of life. These tips should help you learn how to ask to leave work early without creating a negative impression. We hope this article proves helpful for your professional life.