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Language Foundation

request time off

To ask an employer or manager for permission to be absent from work for a period of time.

In plain English

It is the act of asking to be allowed to be away from work for a while, not the absence itself. The ask is made to an employer or manager and concerns a period of time away from work.

In context

Here, "request time off" means starting an ask to an employer or manager for permission to be absent from work for a period of time.

Situation
Managing schedules, shifts, attendance, leave, timesheets, and availability
What it communicates
Button or action for creating a leave request.

Meaning limits

The term itself does not show whether that permission has been granted.

Examples

“Lena requested time off from her manager for the first week of July, but she kept working until he replied.”

Core meaning

“Staff should request time off from their supervisor when they need a few days away from work.”

In context

  • request leave Near Synonym

    Both refer to asking an employer for permission to be away from work, without saying the request is approved.

  • request vacation time Narrower Term

    This is a more specific case where the requested absence is for vacation.