Waiting for holiday approval

[swissrollisntswiss]

I’m currently on maternity leave and due to return to work in January. I caught up with my Manager a couple of weeks ago and mentioned that I’d like to book my summer holiday and roughly when. They asked me to put the dates in an email to review but it shouldn’t be a problem. I sent an email the same day with the exact dates. The next week I hadn’t had a reply so I followed up to check it had been received. They responded to say they had it and would put it on their to do list (slightly annoying but fine). It’s now 2 weeks since my initial email and over a week since my follow up and still nothing. I don’t think I’m being unreasonable in thinking this is too long.

If I was in the office I would speak to them directly. Instead I need to compose another email. DH is suggesting I say that if I haven’t heard by the end of the week then I will assume negative approval. I feel that’s a bit too forward but I’m also known for being overly polite so wondering what others thoughts are on this? Any better suggestions, I definitely don’t want to go with “this is a polite/friendly reminder..”

Is there a reason you need to follow this up again now rather than waiting until you're back to work in January? Is it usual in your workplace for everyone to book their holidays so far in advance?

Give her a call, say you know she's busy and you hate hassling her but you want to get your flights booked.

@WYorkshireRose we have people wanting to book a year in advance!

@WYorkshireRose yes I get requests from those with school age children almost a year in advance. I’m asking for May so it’ll only be 4 months away when I return in Jan and I expect flights will have increased in price.

I would call rather than email again, say you need to get flights booked etc...

Ah I see. So Spring, rather than Summer. In which case, I'd do the opposite of what you were planning to do and email stating that unless you hear otherwise by the end of the week, you'll assume the holiday isn't an issue and will proceed on the basis it's approved.