Go in for training on annual leave

[Princesspollyyy]

I'm on annual leave from work this week. Manager has said in the WhatsApp group that there's mandatory training that needs to be done, and the trainers will be at work two days this week if people can pop in.

I've replied saying I'm on annual leave this week. Some other people have said they will pop in (who aren't on annual leave, just days off).

I don't feel I should have to go in on my annual leave, I'm not abroad but I'm really busy and have loads planned.

Should I go in?

Absolutely not. If it's 'mandatory', they need to make arrangements so that everyone can do it when they're scheduled to work.

Well you could have booked it off for anything so no. It sounds like it was just general message to everyone.

No, of course you don’t go in. It wouldn’t cross my mind to go in.

I am reading it as people who say work 3 days a week and the training falls on their day off. I'd go in for training in these circumstances and take my day off another day instead, but it depends on the job and whether you eg have childcare responsibilities and can't change nursery days.

I wouldn't go in if I was on annual leave. They should record the training for anyone who isn't able to make it.

And this is why whenever I'm on leave, I'll always say I am going somewhere with no internet access - Wales, Scotland, Cornwall. Even if we're actually just at home. I've had to cancel my leave once and was bitterly resentful about it as I really needed the break. Where I am now is also a bit flaky in this respect (and likely to get worse as word is that when people leave now they will not be replaced). I've learned the hard way that organisations that expect you to do this are not good places to work.

What kind of toxic workplace do you work in where you have to say this? I just say I'm going on leave see you when I'm back in terms of work (although chat to colleagues about plans as you do); I mute all of the WhatsApp groups and don't check my email, if there's an absolute emergency they'll phone (and I'd decide how much it would cost them for me to go in!).

This. Absolutely not.

Managers like you are why people don’t feel valued in their jobs.

Why the hell should someone be committed to a job that views their staff in this way? I’d be telling you to go fuck yourself 🤷🏽‍♀️

Days you’re not on shift as opposed to days booked for AL.

OP, I bet you work in a care home

I would 100% not go and I would assume they were only directing it at people who were working that day if it was my company. I would expect a personal message if they wanted me to rearrange annual leave which it sounds like you haven't had. For all they know you could be abroad. Just don't go.

@Aquestioningmind I've found the opposite. People are more likely to respect you if you stick to your boundaries.

HELL NO. I would not have even read the message whilst on annual leave.

You've responded to say you can’t go, that’s sufficient. Mandatory training should have advance notice so you can actually go!
I’m a manager and if I cocked up like this, I’d either train you myself (if possible) or organise a mop up session for those that couldn’t make it.

No chance I'd go. Not if I were on A/L nor if I had the day off. I probably wouldn't even have replied to the message because it goes without saying that if I'm off you won't see me. Simple!

Did you actually say "I won't be attending as I'm on Annual Leave" or did you justf say "I'm on Annual Leave those days". Your manager might think you're making a point but still going to turn up?

I don't think it matters whether you're out of the country or having a pyjama day, when you're on A/L you shouldn't be reading work emails or WhatsApp messages, you shouldn't be answering them and you shouldn't be pressured into going in for training. If you want to negotiate attendance that's up to you

If they get snotty tell them that you're in Devon or Scotland - depending on where you're based. As you were at the other end if the country it wouldn't be possible to attend.

If needed remind them that your leave was approved and the training is a managerial responsibility.

No way no how

Nope i wouldnt.
I do lots online training though but...i wouldnt be going in on annual leave, unless i get those 2 days training back in holidays!!!

My partner and I work at the same place and had booked a week off which was approved 3 months ago. A last minute 'mandatory' training for management was sprung upon us slap bang in the middle of that week... on my partner's birthday. Senior management literally wiped off the prebooked holiday date for it without any consultation.

We couldn't be arsed to kick up too much of a fuss, because the training was beneficial and we live locally so grumbled our way to work.

Mightily pissed off to find that one of the management team had wangled his way out of it because it was HIS partner's birthday!

So you are making a mountain out of a molehill. You have not been asked to go in. So as you were.

Absolutely not. I wouldn't even be going if it was my usual day off.

Mandatory training should be available to all staff while they are at work. You should not be punished by using your annual leave.

Anybody saying you should go in is mad.

I’d go in for training if I could - purely because I wouldn’t want to miss 2 days away from my actual job - training is like annual leave for me, I love being away from my normal job. Then I’d get my 2 days annual leave back to use at another time so it would feel like I’d got a bonus 2 days. But it depends how you feel about training and about work. And I wouldn’t miss anything id arranged to attend.

I also don’t think it was unreasonable to send a general message. Next time don’t check work contacts on annual leave.

There is no way I would go in, and I would not have known about it, as I do not look at work emails or messages whilst on leave. I also know my managers are capable of planning ahead.

I'm sure OP will not look at messages next time they are holiday.