Feature Request: Built-In Staff Time Off

Jobber needs a proper way for staff to request time off and for admins to approve it, with availability automatically updated on the schedule.

The current workaround is too much work

The approach recommended to us is to collect requests outside Jobber through text, email, or another system, then manually add tasks to represent the time off.

Each request takes several minutes to review, respond to, and enter on the schedule. Changes mean repeating those steps. Then someone has to check off the tasks afterward so they do not clutter our unfinished task list.

Time off is not a task to complete. This workaround creates ongoing admin work and leaves too much room for missed requests and scheduling mistakes.

What we need

• Flexible requests: Full days, date ranges, or specific times, with optional notes or a reason.
• Recurring time off: Set a repeating schedule with/without an end date.
• Approval workflow: Notify admins to approve or decline, then notify staff of the decision.
• Manual admin entry: Let admins add time off directly for any staff member.
• Changes and cancellations: Staff can withdraw or cancel requests. Changes to approved dates or times require admin review again. Admins can edit or cancel directly.
• Recurring edits: Change or cancel one occurrence or the whole series.
• Schedule integration: Show approved time off, flag conflicting assignments, and restore availability automatically when canceled.
• Clear records: Keep request status and a history of approvals and changes.

This would turn several manual steps into a simple request and approval. It would save admin time, keep task lists cleaner, and reduce the chance of booking work when someone is unavailable.

Staff availability is a basic part of scheduling. We should be able to manage it directly in Jobber!