Step 01 – Navigate to the Leave Module
Go to the main menu and select Leave → Configure → Leave Blackout Periods.
Step 02 – Add a New Blackout Period
Click the "Add Leave Blackout Period" button to create a new blackout rule.
Step 03 – Enter Basic Blackout Details
Fill in the required fields:
Use the following table as a reference to complete the fields.
Field Label | Description |
| Blackout Period Name* | A unique, descriptive name for the blackout period (e.g., "Year-End Freeze" or "Christmas Week"). This helps administrators easily identify the rule. |
| Start Date* | The date when the blackout period begins. Leave requests will be restricted or warned against from this date. |
| End Date* | The date when the blackout period ends. The restriction or warning will no longer apply after this date. |
| Repeat Annually | When checked, this blackout period will automatically repeat every year on the same dates. Useful for recurring events like holidays or annual audits. |
| Blackout Reason* | An internal note explaining why the blackout is necessary (e.g., "Mandatory staffing for annual audit" or "Peak retail season"). |
| Enforcement Level* | Determines how the system enforces the blackout.
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| Country and Location* | Specifies which geographic locations the blackout applies to. This ensures the rule only affects employees in selected countries or offices. |
| Leave Type* | Defines which types of leave (e.g., Annual, Sick, Unpaid) are restricted during the blackout period. You can select one or multiple leave types. |
| Job Title | (Optional) Limits the blackout to employees with specific job titles. If left blank, the rule applies to all eligible employees in the selected location(s). |
| Allow Supervisor and Head of Department to assign leave in this blackout period | When enabled, supervisors and department heads retain the ability to manually assign leave to their team members even during a strict blackout, providing flexibility for essential approvals. |
| Cancel leave records overlapping this blackout period | If checked, any previously approved leave that falls within the new blackout period will be automatically cancelled when this rule is saved. Use with caution. |
Step 06 – Save the Configuration
Click the Save button to activate the blackout period. The system will now enforce the rule based on your settings.
How to Edit a Leave Blackout Period
Step 1: Initiate the Edit
In the list, find the blackout period you wish to edit (e.g., "Q4 Release"). Click the "Edit" button (pencil icon) in the row for that period.
Step 2: Confirm the Action for Recurring Periods
If the blackout period is set to repeat annually, a confirmation dialog will appear.
Click "Yes, Edit" to proceed.
Step 3: Update the Blackout Period Details
The "Update Leave Blackout Period" screen will open with the current values populated. Make the necessary changes.
Step 4: Save the Changes
After making the changes, review the settings and click the "Save" button.
Note: If you uncheck "Repeat Annually," the change will only affect the specific instance you are editing and will not create a future recurring series.
How to Delete a Leave Blackout Period
Step 1: Select the Period to Delete
In the list, find the blackout period you wish to delete. With the period selected, a "Delete" button will become available. Click on that button.
Step 2: Confirm Deletion
A confirmation dialog will appear, warning you: "The selected blackout period will be permanently deleted. Are you sure you want to continue?" To proceed, click "Yes, Delete."
Note: If the blackout period is set to "Repeat Annually," deleting it will remove all future instances of that recurring rule.
- Employees will see a clear notification or restriction when attempting to apply for leave during a blackout period.
- Use Repeat Annually for recurring events like holidays or year-end closures to avoid manual setup each year.