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# Time Off & Leave Policy *Last updated: April 2026* --- ## The philosophy We trust you to manage your time. Our leave policy is designed around one principle: **take the time you need to do your best work and live your life.** We don't track hours. We track outcomes. That said, "unlimited PTO" without guidelines leads to people taking *less* time off (studies confirm this). So here are clear expectations to make sure you actually rest. --- ## Paid time off (PTO) **Minimum:** 15 days per year. Yes, minimum. We encourage 20+. **How it works:** - Request time off in BambooHR at least 2 weeks in advance for 3+ days - For 1-2 days, a Slack message to your manager 3+ days ahead is fine - No approval needed for single days — just notify your team - Managers can only decline if there's a genuine coverage issue (not "we're busy" — we're always busy) **What counts as PTO:** - Vacation, personal days, mental health days, "I just need a break" days - You don't need to justify why. "Personal day" is a complete reason. **What does NOT count as PTO:** - Sick days (separate — see below) - Company holidays (11 per year — see list) - Bereavement leave - Jury duty - Parental leave --- ## Sick leave **Unlimited. No questions asked.** If you're sick, you're sick. Message your manager on Slack: "Taking a sick day today." That's it. No doctor's note needed for 1-3 days. For 4+ consecutive days, please loop in HR so we can check if you need additional support (disability accommodation, extended leave, etc.). **Mental health counts as sick.** If you're burned out, anxious, or just not in a state to do good work — take a sick day. You do not need to say "mental health" if you're not comfortable. "Not feeling well" is enough. --- ## Working from anywhere You can work from anywhere for up to 4 weeks per year without special approval. Just: 1. Confirm your timezone overlap with your team (minimum 4 hours of overlap required) 2. Ensure you have reliable internet 3. Update your Slack status with your timezone For stays longer than 4 weeks, talk to HR — there may be tax implications depending on the country. --- ## Holidays We observe 11 company holidays (US schedule). **If a holiday falls on a weekend, you get the nearest weekday off.** If your cultural or religious holidays aren't on this list, you're encouraged to take them as PTO — no explanation needed. We also have two "floating holidays" you can use for any occasion that matters to you. --- ## Parental leave **Primary caregiver:** 16 weeks fully paid **Secondary caregiver:** 8 weeks fully paid **Adoption/foster placement:** Same as above Leave can be taken all at once or split into blocks within the first 12 months. We recommend at least 4 consecutive weeks, but you design the schedule that works for your family. Returning to work: Your role is guaranteed. If your team restructured while you were out, you'll return to an equivalent role. No exceptions. --- ## Bereavement **Immediate family (spouse, child, parent, sibling):** Up to 10 days paid **Extended family/close friend:** Up to 5 days paid **Pregnancy loss:** Up to 10 days paid (any trimester) **Pet loss:** 2 days paid (yes, really — we know what pets mean to people) Grief doesn't follow a schedule. If you need more time, talk to your manager or HR. We'll figure it out. --- ## FAQ — The questions people actually ask **Q: "Can I take a half day?"** A: Yes. Just update your Slack status. No BambooHR entry needed for half days. **Q: "Can I take PTO during a sprint?"** A: Yes. Plan ahead so your tasks are covered. Your life doesn't pause for sprints. **Q: "What if my manager keeps declining my PTO?"** A: Escalate to their manager or HR directly. This is a policy violation if there's no legitimate coverage reason. **Q: "I'm new and it's my first month — can I take time off?"** A: Yes. We mean it when we say this policy applies from day one. If you have a wedding, a trip, or just need a day — take it. You don't "earn" time off here. **Q: "What if I get sick on vacation?"** A: Convert those days to sick leave. You don't burn PTO for illness. Message HR and they'll adjust it. **Q: "I'm going through something hard but it's not illness or bereavement."** A: Talk to HR. We have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that's fully confidential — 6 free therapy sessions per year, plus crisis support. We can also explore temporary accommodations. **Q: "Do unused PTO days roll over?"** A: There's no cap to roll over, but we strongly encourage using your days each year. Burnout isn't a badge of honor. --- ## Who to contact | Situation | Contact | |-----------|---------| | Standard PTO request | Your direct manager | | Sick leave (4+ days) | HR: people@wavefront.com | | Parental leave | HR (start the conversation 3+ months before your due date) | | Bereavement | Your manager + HR | | EAP / mental health support | Confidential: eap@wavefront.com | | International work questions | HR: people@wavefront.com | | Policy concerns or disputes | HR or skip-level manager |