Blackout periods are those designated as peak volume days in which Employees are required to be available for shifts. Employees will not be approved to utilize PTO or Holidays during these periods. If an employee feels that they need a specific day off from work during a blackout period, please consider the following:

  • Keep your employees informed well in advance (through both store postings and verbally) of upcoming events, blackout dates and Brand initiatives.
  • Ask employees to keep an updated availability form on file at the store and remind them to communicate important dates in advance.
  • Ask the employee the reason for requesting time off. Like any other staffing request, the reason for the absence needs to be considered.
  • All employees have demands and responsibilities outside of work. Take into consideration if it is an important event such as a medical reason, family reunion, wedding, or other critical dates.
  • Partner with the employee to come up with a resolution and identify other employees who may be able to cover his or her shift.
  • Let your regional manager and/or RVP/ZVP know if an exception to a blackout date needs to be considered.
  • In general, you are not obligated to excuse an employee from their schedule during blackout dates.
  • State or local sick or safe leave time off is considered an exception to blackout periods.

Please note: If an employee’s absence is because of a medical issue or LOA, please partner with your regional manager.

  • Keep your employees informed well in advance (through both store postings and verbally) of upcoming events, blackout dates and Brand initiatives.
  • Ask employees to keep an updated availability form on file at the store and remind them to communicate important dates in advance.
  • Ask the employee the reason for requesting time off. Like any other staffing request, the reason for the absence needs to be considered.
  • All employees have demands and responsibilities outside of work. Take into consideration if it is an important event such as a medical reason, family reunion, wedding, or other critical dates.
  • Partner with the employee to come up with a resolution and identify other employees who may be able to cover his or her shift.
  • Let your regional manager and/or RVP/ZVP know if an exception to a blackout date needs to be considered.
  • In general, you are not obligated to excuse an employee from their schedule during blackout dates.
  • State or local sick or safe leave time off is considered an exception to blackout periods.