Can Exempt Employees Take Partial Vacation Days in California?

By Robert Palmer

As an exempt employee in California, you may have questions about taking vacation time. One common question is whether or not exempt employees can take partial vacation days. In short, the answer is yes, but with some stipulations.

Understanding Exempt Employees
First, it’s important to understand what it means to be an exempt employee. Exempt employees are salaried workers who are not entitled to overtime pay.

This means that no matter how many hours they work in a week, they will receive the same paycheck. Exempt employees are also generally expected to work until their job duties are completed, regardless of how long that takes.

Taking Vacation Time
Exempt employees in California are entitled to vacation time just like non-exempt employees. However, there are some differences in the way vacation time can be taken.

According to California law, vacation time is considered earned wages and cannot be taken away once it has been earned. Additionally, employers must pay out any unused vacation time when an employee leaves the company.

When it comes to taking partial vacation days as an exempt employee, the rules can vary depending on your employer’s policies.

  • Employer Policies: Some employers allow exempt employees to take partial vacation days. For example, if you need to leave early one day but still want to use some of your vacation time for that day, your employer may allow you to do so.
  • No Partial Days: Other employers may require that exempt employees take full days off when using vacation time. This means that if you need a few hours off for a personal appointment or errand, you may need to use sick leave or other paid time off instead of dipping into your vacation time.
  • Unwritten Policies: In some cases, there may not be a formal policy on taking partial vacation days for exempt employees. In these situations, it’s important to speak with your manager or HR representative to determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

In California, exempt employees are entitled to vacation time just like non-exempt employees. However, the rules around taking partial vacation days can vary depending on your employer’s policies. If you have questions about taking vacation time as an exempt employee, it’s important to speak with your HR representative or manager to ensure you are following company policies and state laws.