I’m often asked this question:
“Why is my Annual Leave deducted when I took Emergency Leave? The HR system shows them as two different leave types.”
Here’s the clarification.
In many HRMS, Emergency Leave (EL) and Annual Leave (AL) are listed separately. This often creates the impression that EL is a separate entitlement.
In reality, for most companies, EL is still a part of your AL entitlement.
They’re separated in the system mainly for tracking purposes, so the company can understand how often unplanned leave happens and plan workforce coverage better.
A few important things to note about EL:
• EL is considered as unplanned leave
• Because of that, the company technically has the right to reject it
• If rejected, it may be recorded as No Pay Leave, even if AL balance exists
That said, as a matter of good HR practice, most companies will try to avoid No Pay Leave where possible.
If there’s a doubt, the company may also request supporting documents to justify the emergency.
Hope this clears things up and reduces some unnecessary workplace stress.
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
