What Is a Leave Management System?

A leave management system is a tool, like a spreadsheet or software, that organizations use to manage leave requests. A leave management system enables employees to register their leave requests and track their leave balance, and firms to track absence requests and manage the approval process. Such a system is necessary for minimizing workflow disruptions, ensuring productivity and tracking and managing employee absence for compliance and audit purposes.

How Does Automated Leave Tracking Improve Productivity?

An automated leave tracking process frees managers from manually tracking every leave request that comes their way. When using an automated tracking process, HR and payroll teams don't have to cross-check every leave entry or approval by examining multiple spreadsheets. Employees do not have to submit their leave requests manually. All this enhances speed, accuracy and planning, reducing manual errors and oversight, thereby improving organization-wide productivity.

What Policies Should be Included in a Leave Management Strategy?

A leave management strategy must include clear guidelines and unambiguous definitions of the types and number of leaves employees are entitled to. A good leave management strategy includes well-defined policies on leave accrual and usage criteria, and approval mechanisms. Doing this can help minimize workplace disruptions, ensuring operational continuity and audit-readiness.

Can Small Businesses Benefit from Leave Software?

Contrary to popular wisdom, smaller businesses can gain immensely from leave management software. Smaller firms often operate with thinner profit margins and are prone to greater workplace disruptions owing to prolonged employee absence and a smaller workforce. Unlike larger firms, smaller firms lack financial depth. Therefore, any compliance-related penalties can create existential crises. For them, every penny counts, and unlocking productivity gains matters more.

Time and Attendance Management

Blog Home

Back to Blog Home

A female standing near a big touchscreen display, scrolling to check information

The Ultimate Guide to Employee Leave Management

Published : Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 11 Min Read

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals that the national absence rate rose to 3.2% in 2024 from 3.1% in 2023.

A Japanese woman talking on a mobile phone surrounded by commuters in an open area

Missed Minutes: The Hidden Impact of Inaccurate Time Tracking

Published : Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 8 Min Read

Project Hours & Costs Project Expenses Time & Projects Solutions Tracking Employee Time Time and Attendance Management

According to recent data, inaccurate time tracking costs professional service firms more than $60K per year per employee, yet it’s not easy to discover.

composite image showing a clock and an employee working

What Is a DuPont Shift Schedule and How to Implement It? (Free Template)

Published : Wednesday, September 6, 2023 | 15 Min Read

Time Tracking Software Tracking Employee Time Workforce Management Time and Attendance Management

The traditional 9 am to 5 pm schedule works well for most businesses, but some industries, such as manufacturing, airlines, and healthcare, require around-the-clock operations.

foster a positive work environment for accounting staff

Accountants Are 50% More Likely to be Sick Before Your Taxes Are Due

Published : Monday, February 6, 2023 | 5 Min Read

Time-Based Challenges Time & Projects Solutions Time and Attendance Management

You’ve probably heard the adage, “nothing in life is certain but death and taxes.” For accounting staff in the U.S.

How Organizations Can Save Resources and Become More Efficient

Published : Monday, January 30, 2023 | 3 Min Read

Time & Project Insights Remote Workforce Management Workforce Management Time and Attendance Management

Organizations of all sizes constantly strive for higher efficiency and productivity.

Time Tracking for Companies with Employees on Zero-Hours Contracts

Published : Thursday, October 7, 2021 | 4 Min Read

Time & Attendance Global Compliance Global Paid Time Off (PTO) Cloud Time and Attendance Management

Understand what a zero-hours contract is, what rights and laws govern the employees under this contract, the advantages and disadvantages of the contract, and its future potential.