Can employees claim time off in lieu for working on leave?
This article provides professional advice on whether employees should receive time off in lieu for working during their annual leave. Experts suggest that while it is reasonable to request compensation, employees should also consider their own role in deadline management and the necessity of the work performed.
Why it matters
It addresses modern workplace expectations regarding work-life balance and the negotiation of labor boundaries in high-pressure industries.
Employees should also “take ownership” if it was within their power to deliver the work before going on leave.
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Working during annual leave does not necessarily mean “one day worked equals one day off”.
It is more helpful to look at the situation from both sides – what needed to be delivered and why the deadline was missed, and whether working during leave was genuinely necessary, said Tong Liu, a certified senior professional at the Institute for Human Resource Professionals.
“For the employee, it is reasonable to discuss time off in lieu with the manager, especially if the work was required because of an urgent business need,” she said.
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