'My new boss reported me to HR over a silly annual leave dispute'

Is 11 days of annual leave by April too much? This exchange escalated quickly after it was flagged. 

The topic of annual leave always has the potential of creating a silent war between bosses and employees. 

Like, who takes priority over popular dates like Christmas and Easter: parents with children who need care over school holidays or workers with no children who just want a little break on their own? 

It never really ends well. 

Now, one employer has taken to social media, declaring that they've been outed by their boss because they've already taken 11 days of annual leave and it's only April.  

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Boss's 'nasty' exchange over annual leave

The employee asked the Reddit community for their thoughts on whether or not their boss, who was based overseas, was being unreasonable for calling them out for the amount of leave taken so far this year. 

"I've taken 11 days of annual leave this year so far. Nothing unusual, did pretty much the same last year, and my boss was fine with it. However, new year, new boss, and she seems to be offended that I've dared to take so much time off," they wrote in the "mildly infurating" thread. 

The person went on to detail how their enhange unfolded. 

My boss: I notice you've taken a lot of PTO (paid time off) recently. I've approved this for now but when you are back we need to discuss why you are taking so much time off. Thanks.

Me: This is nothing new and I have done this every year. I tend to use up some annual leave in the first few months of the year, and then some more in the last few months of the year. Please let me know if you are unhappy with this. 

Boss: How much PTO do you have?

Me: I assume you mean annual leave? I have the company standard 31 days, plus an extra 3 days as negotiated in my contract. I also have 4 days carried over from last year. As of 31/03/25 I will have 27 days left for the year. I plan on taking 11 days in August, 8 days in December, and the remaining 8 days as and when needed.

RELATED: How to tell if your boss or partner is a narcissist

The exchange over annual leave got heated quickly. Image: Supplied

The breakdown didn't sit well with the employee's boss who then announced that they were presenting the conversation to HR for clarification. 

Boss: That seems excessive, we don't have that much PTO so I'm unsure where your numbers are coming from. I have referred this to HR because I think this isn't right.

Me: Okay, fine. I was due to come back on Wednesday, please put me on leave for the rest of this week. If HR agree my holiday terms are correct, I expect the extra 3 days to be gratis.

Boss: I don't know what you mean but fine, I'll see you on Monday morning.

RELATED: I refuse to give up my Xmas annual leave for a mum

Boss vs worker: who's in the right?

The post had many people relating the dispute. 

"How dare you take the annual leave you are entitled to, lol," someone commented. 

"Yep, I’m based in Australia but work for an international team with a boss in the US. I made it clear when this happened that when I put in for time off, it’s not a request that I’m wanting approval for, it’s me telling you I won’t be in that day," another added. 

Meanwhile, others offered some sound advice: "So funny when manager don´t understand the law. That is one part of their job, u should report this to their bosses."

Another agreed: "Report boss for creating 'a hostile working environment'. Play them at their own game!"

Who do you think is in the right? 

Originally published as 'My new boss reported me to HR over a silly annual leave dispute'