Leave

Leave and absence are closely related but not exactly the same in the HR context.

Leave

• Formal permission: leave refers to a period of approved absence from work. Employees typically submit a request for leave in advance, and it’s formally documented and authorized by the employer.
• Planned: leave is usually planned in advance, whether it’s for vacation, sick leave, personal leave, etc. The employee and employer have a mutual understanding about the duration and reason for the absence.
• Paid or unpaid: depending on the type of leave and company policy, it might be paid or unpaid. Paid leave allows employees to receive income while they are absent.

Absence

• Broader term: absence is a broader term that encompasses any instance where an employee is not present at work during their scheduled hours.
• Planned or unplanned: absence can be planned (approved leave) or unplanned (unexpected situations like sudden illness, family emergencies, etc.).
• May require justification: unplanned absences typically require justification to the employer, depending on the company policy and severity of the situation. Sometimes, documentation (doctor’s note) might be necessary.

In essence, leave is a specific type of authorized absence, while absence is a broader category encompassing any type of employee non-presence during work hours.