Asking for time off

[TheFaQQer]

I've got one through from a contractor today

" Hi Sarah, just wanted to let you know I'm off for a week date # to #. "

That's pretty much all I expect from the contractors who work for me as they're all pretty sensible & won't take time off heading up to a critical deadline.

If they plan a holiday at any stage in advance, how do you deal with that heading to a critical deadline? I've got next summer booked already.

If I think anything urgent might come up then I'll ask for a contact number or email address, but its only to be used for very critical stuff because otherwise you lose the goodwill.

[SarahL2012]

If they plan a holiday at any stage in advance, how do you deal with that heading to a critical deadline? I've got next summer booked already.

Guess who managed to have the worst scheduled holiday on the whole team? Yup, that would be me. But I've been shouting it out for months now so back-up plans are (not really) in place.

And they do give me their personal contact details. Its probably because I'm just so lovely to work for.......... (or I'll call the number and find they've given me some dodgy premium line instead!!)

[blacjac]

I always speak to them first:

"Would it cause you a problem if I'm not available from x to y?"

Then follow it up with an email:

"Just to confirm that I will not be available from x to y".

I think that strikes the balance right, there is no implication that I am asking permission, but it gives them the opportunity to voice any concerns.

[Taita]

Sounds about right.

No need to hammer home the idea you are a business. As long as your contract and working conditions are in order you can still talk to them f2f and say you are planning to take some time off on so and so date.

Just so. No need for conflict. I appreciate that it is in the contractor blood to emphasise the 'business' angle but it does not usually draw sympathy from permies.

From an end user's perspective, arranging time off as a contractor is not different to arranging time off as an employee.
You give reasonable notice and make an effort to minimise inconvenience to your workmates. Does not need to very formal (as long that is not a site standard) but prior approval is a big plus in this game.