How to Ask for an Extended Leave from Work

Asking for a leave from work for a family issue can be a daunting and uncertain process. Even if there is no process or precedent, it is possible to reach an agreement for extended leave — and make it work for you, your company, and even for your boss and coworkers. Whether your need for leave is anticipated and planned for or a demand that arises unexpectedly, you can negotiate a leave by learning about your company and its policies and culture, and understanding what your boss knows about you and your contributions. There are three phases of extended leave negotiations: preparation, negotiation, and implementation. In the preparation stage, you’ll get ready for the negotiation stage by reflecting on your goals and gathering information on existing policies and precedents. The negotiation stage in part depends on your relationship with your boss. When your relationship is good and the trust between you is high, the negotiation process can be easier. If your relationship with your boss isn’t great, it’s not uncommon to shop around for internal opportunities that would allow you to report to a manager you think would be more supportive. The third and final stage is to take your leave. How your leave is actually implemented and the relationships you maintain during it will shape whether it realizes the goals you had for it. Implementation also shapes the leave’s benefits and costs for you in the long term.