BambooHR is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solution that offers a suite of tools for managing payroll, benefits, and core HR functions. The platform allows its users to centralize their payroll data and time off requests, leading to enhanced employee satisfaction and improved HR operations.

This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to request time off in BambooHR, helping you better manage your schedule, PTO, and payroll.

Getting Started With Time Off Requests In BambooHR

BambooHR offers both mobile and web apps, enabling you to apply for time off either through your mobile phone or a computer. Let’s explore how to request time off on each platform one by one. 

Requesting Time Off Through The Mobile App

Here’s how you can request time off in BambooHR using your mobile phone:

  1. Open the BambooHR mobile app and log in with your credentials
  2. Here, the mobile app offers two ways to request time off;
    • Either go to ‘Request Time Off’ directly from the home page
    • Or go to the ‘My Info’ tab on the home page, then select ‘Time Off Tab’ and then press ‘Request’. This should take you to ‘Select Dates’
  3. Scroll and select the date(s) you want to request time off from the calendar. The start date and end date should be the same if you are applying for one day. If you need to select a date range, you can do it either by tapping the ‘Start Date’ and ‘End Date’ or by dragging your finger through the start to the end date on the calendar
  4. Select ‘Continue’
  5. Choose the ‘Time Off Category’ from which you want to request time off. It could be your paid time off (PTO) or sick leaves
  6. Review details and confirm the dates/times. Please note that;
    • The selected time off category shows the year-to-date (YTD) number of hours you have used out of the available hours
    • BambooHR auto-populates the number of hours to eight for each day and shows the total hours at the top
    • You can change the amount by tapping on it if you need flexible hours of time off
  7. Select ‘Note’ and add a remark for your manager mentioning the reason for your request
  8. Click ‘Send’ to submit

Once you hit the send button, you will receive a notification confirming the successful submission of your time off request.
 

Pro Tip
Important Consideration: If you see a ‘Negative Balance Warning’ pop up, it means you have requested time off that is less than your allotment. Depending on company policy, this may result in unpaid time off or advance on PTO if you decide to move forward with the request.

Requesting Time Off On Computer

This is how you can request time off in BambooHR using the webpage on your desktop computer/laptop.

  1. Open the home page of your BambooHR employee portal using your credentials
  2. Navigate to the ‘Time Off’ tab and select ‘Request Time Off’
  3. Select the date(s) you need to take time off. The start and end dates will be the same if you apply for one day. You can select a date range by tapping on the dates you want to apply for leave
  4. Select ‘Time Off Category’. This will bring you to the auto-filled dates and hours of the time off you are requesting. If you want to edit it, click on the amount box to make the changes
  5. Select ‘Note’ and write any remarks for your manager to see
  6. Click ‘Send Request’ to submit

A notification will let you know about the successful submission of your leave request(s)

Pro Tip
Important Consideration: If your organization doesn’t use BambooHR Time Tracking, the ‘Request Time Off’ tab should come in the ‘My Info’ widget on the home page.

Edit Time Off Requests In BambooHR

Once a time off request has been submitted, you can edit or delete it if you find an error. This can be done by visiting the ‘Scheduled Time Off List’ widget on your desktop or mobile phone. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:

  1. Open your app using your BambooHR login credentials. Here, navigate to the ‘Scheduled Time Off’ list in either of these two ways:
    • Go to the ‘Time Off’ tab and select ‘Time Off Type’ and then click ‘Scheduled Time Off list’
    • Go to ‘My Info’ and select the ‘Time Off’ tab to go to ‘Current Balances’. Select the ‘Time Off Type’ there and go to the ‘Scheduled Time Off’ list
  2. Tap on the request you want to edit from the list of your time off requests
  3. This will open the ‘Request Details’ screen, select ‘Edit’ in the top right corner
  4. Tap the date(s) you want to edit once the calendar is open
  5. Select new dates you want to apply time off for and click ‘Continue’ to update your request
  6. Confirm your updates and select ‘Send’ to finalize your changes

Delete Time Off Requests In BambooHR

If you want to delete your time off request in BambooHR, go to the ‘Scheduled Time Off List’ on your desktop or mobile phone as stated above and follow these steps:

  1. Select the time off request you want to delete
  2. Select the ‘Edit” option in the top right corner of the ‘Request Details’ screen
  3. This will open the calendar; tap the ‘Trash Can’ icon to delete your request
  4. Confirm your actions

A notification banner should let you know about the status of your request.

Following these simple steps, you can easily request time off in BambooHR and manage, edit, or delete them. This will enable you to take charge of your schedule, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and dedicated work commitment. Should you encounter any issues, contact your employer or reach out to the BambooHR support team.