Image: Manager and employee in a positive conversation about leave — replace with actual photo
Employee leave is a normal part of running a business in New Zealand and a legal entitlement. How managers handle leave requests directly affects workplace culture, staff retention, and team trust.
Understand Leave Entitlements First
As an employer, you need to be clear on what staff are legally entitled to before making any decisions.
- Annual leave (minimum 4 weeks after 12 months)
- Sick leave (from 6 months of eligibility)
- Bereavement leave
- Parental leave
- Public holidays
- Agreed unpaid leave (where applicable)
Good HR practice starts with knowing your obligations before making decisions.
How to Assess a Leave Request
When an employee asks for time off, consider these factors:
Business coverage
Can the work still be covered effectively?
Timing
Is it during a peak or critical period?
Notice given
Was it planned and communicated early?
Fairness
Have other team members had similar opportunities?
Team impact
Will it place unfair pressure on others?
Key principle: Leave should be managed fairly, consistently, and transparently.
Image: Team calendar or schedule planning — replace with actual photo
Your Role as a Manager
Approving leave isn't just administrative — it sets the tone for your culture. Where possible, help staff take leave rather than discourage it.
New Employees & Probation Periods
Extra care is needed early on. New employees may not have accrued much leave, and business needs are often higher during onboarding. However, employees still have rights — balance is key.
When Leave Requests Aren't Ideal
Sometimes requests will land at difficult times. Instead of simply saying no:
How you say "no" matters just as much as the decision itself.
Example of a Good Employer Response
Kia ora [Name],
Thanks for the heads-up on your leave request for [dates]. At this stage we're in a busy period, so I may need to look at coverage before confirming.
Let me come back to you by [timeframe], and we'll see if we can make it work or find some alternative dates that suit both sides.
Thanks for planning ahead, it really helps.
Key Takeaway for Employers
Leave isn't a disruption — it's part of normal employment. Businesses that handle time off well:
Good staff don't just want a job — they want to work for employers who respect their time.
Need help with HR or employment advice?
OnPoint Consulting provides practical HR and ER support for NZ businesses.