The difference between time off and a leave of absence

A request for time off is for vacation and sick time. A leave of absence request is for an extended period of absence, including intermittent leaves of absence. For example, a medical leave or maternity leave.

Compensatory time off, or compensation time, is earned by employees who are not eligible for overtime or excess hours.

If your organization offers compensation time, employees can submit requests for compensatory time off instead of additional pay for extra hours worked. When these requests are approved, the hours are added to their designated plan and can be taken as time off.