Is it ok for boss to ask why I want time off?

SkintMonkey

We've got a relatively new boss in at work and today I asked to book off a day next week and she asked why I wanted to day off. I didn't feel that was appropriate - surely it is none of her business??

I thought that it would be fair enough to ask if we were short staffed and mega busy whether I needed to take the day off because of something urgent etc as it would be helpful to choose another day etc, but to actually ask the reason why I wanted the time, I thought that was rather too personal.

nearlyrich

If you have a policy of giving 3 weeks notice before booking and you need a day urgently then fair enough for the boss to ask but if you can just book anytime no-one else is off it is none of their business to be honest.

Zazen999

'I want the time off because it is in my contract/the law that I can take annual leave'

Emmzi

may just be trying to be friendly and get to know you all better?

just a thought :-) nerves at dealing with a new team can manifest as ineptitude sometimes.

fozzeh

I'd tend to agree with Emmzi. Being open and trusting with a manager is the best thing to have.

I've got two days off now...because I want to chill for my birthday.
Next Tuesday afternoon off...to go to my daugthers first Christmas party.
My boss knows and when I leave he'll wish me a good time!

However...if it is illness related, you used to be able to just state 'medical reasons' if it was a short term, one off.

Willsnarf1983

Put it this way, if there are other members of staff off on that day they may be erring on telling you know but by asking you what it is for they can determine whether the reason for you wanting that same day of is worthy of being short staffed.

Anihilator

Is this topic real.

It must be a nightmare line managing these obnoxious awquard people.

Ok if your going to get tested for an STD you might not want to say or other things but is it too much to say a medical appointment, family engagement, fancy a rest etc etc

I don't think you really have any reason to say no and if you do I bet getting your holidays becomes a lot harder.

robredz

Anihilator wrote: »

Is this topic real.

It must be a nightmare line managing these obnoxious awquard people.

Ok if your going to get tested for an STD you might not want to say or other things but is it too much to say a medical appointment, family engagement, fancy a rest etc etc

I don't think you really have any reason to say no and if you do I bet getting your holidays becomes a lot harder.

There goes the time off for that other job interview you don't want them to know about then. Anihilator would be a nightmare as a line manager.

stclair

If they was new they was possibly just making conversation.

When I ask for time off work my Manager generally asks why? I normally tell them im going to get my hair done to wind them up lol (im a skinhead)

hamstercheeks_2

personally I don't think it's any of her business why you want the day off:rolleyes:

maybe she's just flexing muscle (as my boss tends to do.....)

but then, giving her the benefit of the doubt, perhaps she is just interested in what you are doing

Anihilator

robredz wrote: »

There goes the time off for that other job interview you don't want them to know about then.

You tell them you have a personal appointment.

I can guarentee that raises less suspicon or aggro than refusing to tell them.