Should I tell HR the real reason I'm asking for unpaid leave?
I applied to attend a 10 day silent meditation retreat at the end of March/beginning of April this year and my application was accepted. My plan is to take those days off as unpaid leave.
For context, I work at a research company with 2800+ employees worldwide, based in the US. The company is pretty good about promoting a healthy work-life balance and usually provides a good deal of flexibility.
Now, my question is: Should I tell HR that I'm going to a meditation retreat? Self-exploration may not be seen as a "good enough" reason for taking time off in corporate America. Would it be better to come up with another excuse?
human-resources leave-of-absence
asked 5 hours ago
WykoWWykoW
312
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WykoW is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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add a comment |
I applied to attend a 10 day silent meditation retreat at the end of March/beginning of April this year and my application was accepted. My plan is to take those days off as unpaid leave.
For context, I work at a research company with 2800+ employees worldwide, based in the US. The company is pretty good about promoting a healthy work-life balance and usually provides a good deal of flexibility.
Now, my question is: Should I tell HR that I'm going to a meditation retreat? Self-exploration may not be seen as a "good enough" reason for taking time off in corporate America. Would it be better to come up with another excuse?
human-resources leave-of-absence
asked 5 hours ago
WykoWWykoW
312
New contributor
WykoW is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I applied to attend a 10 day silent meditation retreat at the end of March/beginning of April this year and my application was accepted. My plan is to take those days off as unpaid leave.
For context, I work at a research company with 2800+ employees worldwide, based in the US. The company is pretty good about promoting a healthy work-life balance and usually provides a good deal of flexibility.
Now, my question is: Should I tell HR that I'm going to a meditation retreat? Self-exploration may not be seen as a "good enough" reason for taking time off in corporate America. Would it be better to come up with another excuse?
human-resources leave-of-absence
asked 5 hours ago
WykoWWykoW
312
New contributor
WykoW is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I applied to attend a 10 day silent meditation retreat at the end of March/beginning of April this year and my application was accepted. My plan is to take those days off as unpaid leave.
For context, I work at a research company with 2800+ employees worldwide, based in the US. The company is pretty good about promoting a healthy work-life balance and usually provides a good deal of flexibility.
Now, my question is: Should I tell HR that I'm going to a meditation retreat? Self-exploration may not be seen as a "good enough" reason for taking time off in corporate America. Would it be better to come up with another excuse?
human-resources leave-of-absence
human-resources leave-of-absence
asked 5 hours ago
WykoWWykoW
312
New contributor
WykoW is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 5 hours ago
WykoWWykoW
312
New contributor
WykoW is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 5 hours ago
WykoWWykoW
312
New contributor
WykoW is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 5 hours ago
WykoWWykoW
312
asked 5 hours ago
WykoWWykoW
312
312
New contributor
WykoW is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
WykoW is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
WykoW is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
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2 Answers
2
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votes
Should I tell HR that I'm going to a meditation retreat?
Self-exploration may not be seen as a "good enough" reason for taking
time off in corporate America. Would it be better to come up with
another excuse?
You are taking a vacation.
Assuming you are normally permitted to take unpaid time off when desired, there's absolutely no reason HR needs to know what you plan to do during that vacation. In a company of 2800+, they have far bigger issues to worry about.
There's no need to come up with any excuse. "Taking an unpaid vacation" is all anyone needs to know.
If taking unpaid leave would require an exception to normal processes, you can still indicate that these 10 days are vacation time (they are). You'll have to judge for yourself if more justification is needed in order to secure the exception. If more justification is required, then just be completely transparent and explain about the retreat.
In companies where I have worked, unpaid leave must be approved by a manager before it is granted. If that's the case in your company, next time get your manager's approval before applying to a retreat. And in that case, HR will seldom care at all as long as a manager has approved.
answered 4 hours ago
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
245k1207141016
2
We just had a Tech Lead take a 2 month sabbatical. As long as your manager approved with all of the paperwork needed, you don't have to disclose why you're going on vacation and you don't need to disclose the leave is unpaid.
– jcmack
3 hours ago
add a comment |
One more time with feeling....
HR IS NOT YOUR FRIEND
Consider HR on a need to know basis.
If they don't need to know, don't tell them.
Talking to HR is like talking to the police, "Everything you say can and will be used against you".
Now, if HR does demand a reason, YOU TELL THEM THE TRUTH! You do not lie to HR, not ever. Lying to HR will in the very least result in a note in your file, at most, termination with a "do not rehire" note in your file.
So, be ready to be turned down if they don't like the reason.
If you can be vague with something like "I need to deal with some personal business", do so, but do not give details unless required.
answered 3 hours ago
Richard URichard U
90.7k64233360
1
Absolutely agree with this answer, I would add: in the event they want to turn down your request you could then suggest you need this for your health and wellbeing (which is probably true anyway) and this is something that may be backed up by a doctor. I've never seen HR turn down a request backed up with a letter from a doctor.
– solarflare
3 hours ago
Why would and how could HR be allowed to "demand a reason"? Can HR suddenly go "Well, we demand to know why you're taking a vacation."? Wouldn't this be a problem in general (e.g. potential intimidation from those in higher positions, whatever that gets classified under (e.g. hostile workplace))?
– code_dredd
2 hours ago
@code_dredd some industries can have times where they only want a certain number of staff away on leave so there is still enough staff to work. If the quota is full then you might need a good reason (ie a medical reason) to demand leave. HR normally wouldn't ask why you're leaving but they can refuse approval in which case you want to be prepared.
– solarflare
1 hour ago
add a comment |
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2 Answers
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2 Answers
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Should I tell HR that I'm going to a meditation retreat?
Self-exploration may not be seen as a "good enough" reason for taking
time off in corporate America. Would it be better to come up with
another excuse?
You are taking a vacation.
Assuming you are normally permitted to take unpaid time off when desired, there's absolutely no reason HR needs to know what you plan to do during that vacation. In a company of 2800+, they have far bigger issues to worry about.
There's no need to come up with any excuse. "Taking an unpaid vacation" is all anyone needs to know.
If taking unpaid leave would require an exception to normal processes, you can still indicate that these 10 days are vacation time (they are). You'll have to judge for yourself if more justification is needed in order to secure the exception. If more justification is required, then just be completely transparent and explain about the retreat.
In companies where I have worked, unpaid leave must be approved by a manager before it is granted. If that's the case in your company, next time get your manager's approval before applying to a retreat. And in that case, HR will seldom care at all as long as a manager has approved.
answered 4 hours ago
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
245k1207141016
2
We just had a Tech Lead take a 2 month sabbatical. As long as your manager approved with all of the paperwork needed, you don't have to disclose why you're going on vacation and you don't need to disclose the leave is unpaid.
– jcmack
3 hours ago
add a comment |
Should I tell HR that I'm going to a meditation retreat?
Self-exploration may not be seen as a "good enough" reason for taking
time off in corporate America. Would it be better to come up with
another excuse?
You are taking a vacation.
Assuming you are normally permitted to take unpaid time off when desired, there's absolutely no reason HR needs to know what you plan to do during that vacation. In a company of 2800+, they have far bigger issues to worry about.
There's no need to come up with any excuse. "Taking an unpaid vacation" is all anyone needs to know.
If taking unpaid leave would require an exception to normal processes, you can still indicate that these 10 days are vacation time (they are). You'll have to judge for yourself if more justification is needed in order to secure the exception. If more justification is required, then just be completely transparent and explain about the retreat.
In companies where I have worked, unpaid leave must be approved by a manager before it is granted. If that's the case in your company, next time get your manager's approval before applying to a retreat. And in that case, HR will seldom care at all as long as a manager has approved.
answered 4 hours ago
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
245k1207141016
2
We just had a Tech Lead take a 2 month sabbatical. As long as your manager approved with all of the paperwork needed, you don't have to disclose why you're going on vacation and you don't need to disclose the leave is unpaid.
– jcmack
3 hours ago
add a comment |
Should I tell HR that I'm going to a meditation retreat?
Self-exploration may not be seen as a "good enough" reason for taking
time off in corporate America. Would it be better to come up with
another excuse?
You are taking a vacation.
Assuming you are normally permitted to take unpaid time off when desired, there's absolutely no reason HR needs to know what you plan to do during that vacation. In a company of 2800+, they have far bigger issues to worry about.
There's no need to come up with any excuse. "Taking an unpaid vacation" is all anyone needs to know.
If taking unpaid leave would require an exception to normal processes, you can still indicate that these 10 days are vacation time (they are). You'll have to judge for yourself if more justification is needed in order to secure the exception. If more justification is required, then just be completely transparent and explain about the retreat.
In companies where I have worked, unpaid leave must be approved by a manager before it is granted. If that's the case in your company, next time get your manager's approval before applying to a retreat. And in that case, HR will seldom care at all as long as a manager has approved.
answered 4 hours ago
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
245k1207141016
Should I tell HR that I'm going to a meditation retreat?
Self-exploration may not be seen as a "good enough" reason for taking
time off in corporate America. Would it be better to come up with
another excuse?
You are taking a vacation.
Assuming you are normally permitted to take unpaid time off when desired, there's absolutely no reason HR needs to know what you plan to do during that vacation. In a company of 2800+, they have far bigger issues to worry about.
There's no need to come up with any excuse. "Taking an unpaid vacation" is all anyone needs to know.
If taking unpaid leave would require an exception to normal processes, you can still indicate that these 10 days are vacation time (they are). You'll have to judge for yourself if more justification is needed in order to secure the exception. If more justification is required, then just be completely transparent and explain about the retreat.
In companies where I have worked, unpaid leave must be approved by a manager before it is granted. If that's the case in your company, next time get your manager's approval before applying to a retreat. And in that case, HR will seldom care at all as long as a manager has approved.
answered 4 hours ago
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
245k1207141016
edited 4 hours ago
answered 4 hours ago
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
245k1207141016
answered 4 hours ago
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
245k1207141016
answered 4 hours ago
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
245k1207141016
245k1207141016
2
We just had a Tech Lead take a 2 month sabbatical. As long as your manager approved with all of the paperwork needed, you don't have to disclose why you're going on vacation and you don't need to disclose the leave is unpaid.
– jcmack
3 hours ago
add a comment |
2
We just had a Tech Lead take a 2 month sabbatical. As long as your manager approved with all of the paperwork needed, you don't have to disclose why you're going on vacation and you don't need to disclose the leave is unpaid.
– jcmack
3 hours ago
2
2
We just had a Tech Lead take a 2 month sabbatical. As long as your manager approved with all of the paperwork needed, you don't have to disclose why you're going on vacation and you don't need to disclose the leave is unpaid.
– jcmack
3 hours ago
We just had a Tech Lead take a 2 month sabbatical. As long as your manager approved with all of the paperwork needed, you don't have to disclose why you're going on vacation and you don't need to disclose the leave is unpaid.
– jcmack
3 hours ago
add a comment |
One more time with feeling....
HR IS NOT YOUR FRIEND
Consider HR on a need to know basis.
If they don't need to know, don't tell them.
Talking to HR is like talking to the police, "Everything you say can and will be used against you".
Now, if HR does demand a reason, YOU TELL THEM THE TRUTH! You do not lie to HR, not ever. Lying to HR will in the very least result in a note in your file, at most, termination with a "do not rehire" note in your file.
So, be ready to be turned down if they don't like the reason.
If you can be vague with something like "I need to deal with some personal business", do so, but do not give details unless required.
answered 3 hours ago
Richard URichard U
90.7k64233360
1
Absolutely agree with this answer, I would add: in the event they want to turn down your request you could then suggest you need this for your health and wellbeing (which is probably true anyway) and this is something that may be backed up by a doctor. I've never seen HR turn down a request backed up with a letter from a doctor.
– solarflare
3 hours ago
Why would and how could HR be allowed to "demand a reason"? Can HR suddenly go "Well, we demand to know why you're taking a vacation."? Wouldn't this be a problem in general (e.g. potential intimidation from those in higher positions, whatever that gets classified under (e.g. hostile workplace))?
– code_dredd
2 hours ago
@code_dredd some industries can have times where they only want a certain number of staff away on leave so there is still enough staff to work. If the quota is full then you might need a good reason (ie a medical reason) to demand leave. HR normally wouldn't ask why you're leaving but they can refuse approval in which case you want to be prepared.
– solarflare
1 hour ago
add a comment |
One more time with feeling....
HR IS NOT YOUR FRIEND
Consider HR on a need to know basis.
If they don't need to know, don't tell them.
Talking to HR is like talking to the police, "Everything you say can and will be used against you".
Now, if HR does demand a reason, YOU TELL THEM THE TRUTH! You do not lie to HR, not ever. Lying to HR will in the very least result in a note in your file, at most, termination with a "do not rehire" note in your file.
So, be ready to be turned down if they don't like the reason.
If you can be vague with something like "I need to deal with some personal business", do so, but do not give details unless required.
answered 3 hours ago
Richard URichard U
90.7k64233360
1
Absolutely agree with this answer, I would add: in the event they want to turn down your request you could then suggest you need this for your health and wellbeing (which is probably true anyway) and this is something that may be backed up by a doctor. I've never seen HR turn down a request backed up with a letter from a doctor.
– solarflare
3 hours ago
Why would and how could HR be allowed to "demand a reason"? Can HR suddenly go "Well, we demand to know why you're taking a vacation."? Wouldn't this be a problem in general (e.g. potential intimidation from those in higher positions, whatever that gets classified under (e.g. hostile workplace))?
– code_dredd
2 hours ago
@code_dredd some industries can have times where they only want a certain number of staff away on leave so there is still enough staff to work. If the quota is full then you might need a good reason (ie a medical reason) to demand leave. HR normally wouldn't ask why you're leaving but they can refuse approval in which case you want to be prepared.
– solarflare
1 hour ago
add a comment |
One more time with feeling....
HR IS NOT YOUR FRIEND
Consider HR on a need to know basis.
If they don't need to know, don't tell them.
Talking to HR is like talking to the police, "Everything you say can and will be used against you".
Now, if HR does demand a reason, YOU TELL THEM THE TRUTH! You do not lie to HR, not ever. Lying to HR will in the very least result in a note in your file, at most, termination with a "do not rehire" note in your file.
So, be ready to be turned down if they don't like the reason.
If you can be vague with something like "I need to deal with some personal business", do so, but do not give details unless required.
answered 3 hours ago
Richard URichard U
90.7k64233360
One more time with feeling....
HR IS NOT YOUR FRIEND
Consider HR on a need to know basis.
If they don't need to know, don't tell them.
Talking to HR is like talking to the police, "Everything you say can and will be used against you".
Now, if HR does demand a reason, YOU TELL THEM THE TRUTH! You do not lie to HR, not ever. Lying to HR will in the very least result in a note in your file, at most, termination with a "do not rehire" note in your file.
So, be ready to be turned down if they don't like the reason.
If you can be vague with something like "I need to deal with some personal business", do so, but do not give details unless required.
answered 3 hours ago
Richard URichard U
90.7k64233360
answered 3 hours ago
Richard URichard U
90.7k64233360
answered 3 hours ago
Richard URichard U
90.7k64233360
answered 3 hours ago
Richard URichard U
90.7k64233360
90.7k64233360
1
Absolutely agree with this answer, I would add: in the event they want to turn down your request you could then suggest you need this for your health and wellbeing (which is probably true anyway) and this is something that may be backed up by a doctor. I've never seen HR turn down a request backed up with a letter from a doctor.
– solarflare
3 hours ago
Why would and how could HR be allowed to "demand a reason"? Can HR suddenly go "Well, we demand to know why you're taking a vacation."? Wouldn't this be a problem in general (e.g. potential intimidation from those in higher positions, whatever that gets classified under (e.g. hostile workplace))?
– code_dredd
2 hours ago
@code_dredd some industries can have times where they only want a certain number of staff away on leave so there is still enough staff to work. If the quota is full then you might need a good reason (ie a medical reason) to demand leave. HR normally wouldn't ask why you're leaving but they can refuse approval in which case you want to be prepared.
– solarflare
1 hour ago
add a comment |
1
Absolutely agree with this answer, I would add: in the event they want to turn down your request you could then suggest you need this for your health and wellbeing (which is probably true anyway) and this is something that may be backed up by a doctor. I've never seen HR turn down a request backed up with a letter from a doctor.
– solarflare
3 hours ago
Why would and how could HR be allowed to "demand a reason"? Can HR suddenly go "Well, we demand to know why you're taking a vacation."? Wouldn't this be a problem in general (e.g. potential intimidation from those in higher positions, whatever that gets classified under (e.g. hostile workplace))?
– code_dredd
2 hours ago
@code_dredd some industries can have times where they only want a certain number of staff away on leave so there is still enough staff to work. If the quota is full then you might need a good reason (ie a medical reason) to demand leave. HR normally wouldn't ask why you're leaving but they can refuse approval in which case you want to be prepared.
– solarflare
1 hour ago
1
1
Absolutely agree with this answer, I would add: in the event they want to turn down your request you could then suggest you need this for your health and wellbeing (which is probably true anyway) and this is something that may be backed up by a doctor. I've never seen HR turn down a request backed up with a letter from a doctor.
– solarflare
3 hours ago
Absolutely agree with this answer, I would add: in the event they want to turn down your request you could then suggest you need this for your health and wellbeing (which is probably true anyway) and this is something that may be backed up by a doctor. I've never seen HR turn down a request backed up with a letter from a doctor.
– solarflare
3 hours ago
Why would and how could HR be allowed to "demand a reason"? Can HR suddenly go "Well, we demand to know why you're taking a vacation."? Wouldn't this be a problem in general (e.g. potential intimidation from those in higher positions, whatever that gets classified under (e.g. hostile workplace))?
– code_dredd
2 hours ago
Why would and how could HR be allowed to "demand a reason"? Can HR suddenly go "Well, we demand to know why you're taking a vacation."? Wouldn't this be a problem in general (e.g. potential intimidation from those in higher positions, whatever that gets classified under (e.g. hostile workplace))?
– code_dredd
2 hours ago
@code_dredd some industries can have times where they only want a certain number of staff away on leave so there is still enough staff to work. If the quota is full then you might need a good reason (ie a medical reason) to demand leave. HR normally wouldn't ask why you're leaving but they can refuse approval in which case you want to be prepared.
– solarflare
1 hour ago
@code_dredd some industries can have times where they only want a certain number of staff away on leave so there is still enough staff to work. If the quota is full then you might need a good reason (ie a medical reason) to demand leave. HR normally wouldn't ask why you're leaving but they can refuse approval in which case you want to be prepared.
– solarflare
1 hour ago
add a comment |
WykoW is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
WykoW is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
WykoW is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
WykoW is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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