Words (Core Vocabulary)
- schedule / shift / rota / roster / coverage
- core hours / flex time / compressed week / hybrid days
- time clock / timesheet / clock in/out
- paid break / unpaid break / meal break
- overtime (OT) / banked time / time off in lieu
- vacation / PTO (paid time off) / personal day / sick day
- statutory holiday / holiday pay
- leave (parental, medical, bereavement)
- approval / request / blackout dates
Phrases (Plan → request → confirm)
Scheduling
- Could we confirm the core hours and on-site days?
- What’s the process for shift swaps or coverage?
Breaks & overtime
- Do we have a paid 15-minute break in the morning and afternoon?
- I’ll need pre-approval for overtime—who signs off?
Vacation & sick
- I’d like to request vacation from Aug 5–9—is there coverage?
- I’m feeling unwell—I’ll take a sick day and keep you posted.
- Could you confirm the holiday schedule and blackout dates?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Weekly note: Working 8–4 this week; on-site Tue/Thu, remote other days.
- OT ask: Requesting approval for three hours OT Friday to meet the deadline.
- Vacation: Submitting PTO request for Sept 2–6; handoff doc attached.
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Scheduling
- set core hours
- publish a rota
- swap shifts
- ensure coverage
Breaks & OT
- take a meal break
- log overtime
- bank hours
- request pre-approval
Time off
- submit a PTO request
- attach a handoff
- confirm holiday pay
- record sick leave
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Employment standards vary by province (breaks, OT, stat holidays). Ask your HR for the policy.
- Many teams prefer advance notice and a handoff for time off.
- Sick days are commonly paid (policy-dependent); short updates are appreciated.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- PTO request: “I’d like to request PTO Oct 14–18—handoff and coverage arranged.”
- Sick note: “Feeling unwell—taking a sick day; reachable on Slack if urgent.”
- OT approval: “Requesting pre-approval for 2h OT to finish the release.”