How Do You Keep Track of Accrued Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

Are you tired of losing track of your accrued vacation time? It can be frustrating to know that you have vacation days, but not know how many or when they expire. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to keep track of your accrued vacation time.

Use an Online Time-Tracking System

One of the easiest ways to keep track of your accrued vacation time is by using an online time-tracking system. Many companies offer these systems to their employees, allowing them to easily see how much vacation time they have accrued and when it expires. These systems often also allow you to request time off directly through the platform.

Benefits of Using an Online Time-Tracking System:

  • Easily accessible from anywhere with an internet connection
  • Automatically updates with each paycheck
  • Allows for easy tracking of other types of leave, such as sick days or personal days
  • Can be used for requesting time off and getting approval from managers

Create a Spreadsheet

If your company doesn’t offer an online time-tracking system, or if you prefer a more hands-on approach, creating a spreadsheet can be a great option. You can easily create a table in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets that allows you to input your earned and used vacation hours.

Benefits of Using a Spreadsheet:

  • You have full control over the format and organization
  • You can include additional columns for notes about each instance of taking vacation (e.g., reason for absence)
  • Easily shareable with managers or HR staff if needed
  • No need for internet access – can be viewed offline on any device with spreadsheet software installed.

Keep a Physical Record

If you prefer a more traditional approach, keeping a physical record of your accrued vacation time can be an effective method. This could be as simple as writing down your earned and used hours in a notebook or planner.

Benefits of Keeping a Physical Record:

  • No need for internet access
  • A physical record can serve as a backup in case of technological issues
  • You can add notes or details alongside each entry for future reference
  • You can use any paper or notebook you have on hand without needing to purchase anything new.

Conclusion

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to keep track of your accrued vacation time to ensure that you don’t miss out on any valuable time off. Whether you use an online system, create a spreadsheet, or keep a physical record, the key is to find a system that works for you and stick with it. By staying organized and up-to-date on your vacation time, you’ll be able to make the most of your well-deserved time off.