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  • August bank holiday conundrum: Who should get the day off?

August bank holiday conundrum: Who should get the day off?

It's a common dilemma around this time of year. What do you do when your staff all want the same day off?

First published on Tuesday, Aug 24, 2021

Last updated on Tuesday, Aug 24, 2021

1 min read

Imagine this. You return from lunch to find three holiday request forms on your desk.

After a quick flick through, you realise that they all have something in common: the date.

Each employee wants to book Friday 27th August off. And you instantly know why.

The Friday before August bank holiday Monday is always popular. In fact, BrightHR data shows that it’s been the most booked off day of the year* for the past five years in a row.

But you can’t afford to let all three employees take the day off, you can only approve one request. So, let’s see what your options are…

Employee one: Felicity

Felicity is getting married on Saturday 28th August. She’s managed to find a last-minute cancellation at her dream venue… and after rearranging her wedding three times due to COVID, she’s over the moon. There’s just one tiny issue. She’s waiting on you to give her the go-ahead.

Employee two: Rick

After eight years, Rick is your longest-serving employee. He usually gives you loads of notice before booking time off. But not this time. Because he’s bagged a last-minute holiday to Malta for his family. And while it’s not quite the two weeks in Disneyland that he’d originally planned, his kids are already counting down the sleeps.

Employee three: Demi

Demi started baking while on furlough and after posting a few of her cake creations online, she’s racked up quite the Instagram following. In fact, she just got a DM asking her if she’d like to take part in a famous food and drink festival over BH weekend. She’s chuffed and has already brought all of her ingredients to start prepping.

So who’s it going to be? Employee 1, 2 or 3

It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? They’ve all got good reasons to want Friday off.

Head to our Linkedin now to cast your vote and tell us who you think is the most deserving of the time off.

We'll reveal the results (and the right answer) at the end of the week, so keep your eyes peeled.

(*) excluding bank holidays and the Christmas period

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