As a contractor, time off is typically governed by the terms of your engagement rather than a standard company policy. However, if your client has enabled time off tracking through Niural, you can view applicable policies and submit requests directly from your contractor dashboard.
This guide explains how to review your time off details, submit a request, and understand how it may affect your invoicing or project delivery timelines.
Reviewing Time Off Policies
- Log in to your Niural Contractor account.
- Navigate to Time Tools > Policies.
If your client has opted to assign a time off policy to you, it will be listed here. Not all clients provide this option, so availability may vary.
You may see:
- Active Policies: These are currently assigned to your engagement. Examples include limited sick time, unpaid leave, or client-specific non-billable days.
- Archived Policies: These were previously assigned but are no longer in effect.
Each policy will show:
- Whether the time off is paid or unpaid,
- Accrual or frontload structure (if applicable),
- Any limitations on how or when time off can be used.
Note: Time off policies for contractors are optional and must comply with the terms of your Statement of Work (SOW) or independent contractor agreement. Policies do not imply employment classification or benefits eligibility unless explicitly stated.
Submitting a Time Off Request
If your client permits contractors to submit time off requests through Niural, follow the steps below:
- Go to Time Off > Request Time Off.
- Select the applicable policy (if multiple are available).
- Choose the start date and end date.
Your total requested time will automatically exclude weekends and public holidays, if your client has configured these calendars.
- Review any custom requirements. For example:
- Your client may require advance notice for non-billable days.
- Some clients may restrict time off during active project delivery periods.
- You may be required to coordinate with a project lead before requesting time off.
- Your client may require advance notice for non-billable days.
- Add a note explaining the reason for your request to provide context.
- Attach any supporting documents if required (such as a doctor’s note or external travel approval).
- Click Submit to send the request to your client or manager for review.
After You Submit a Request
- Your client or assigned manager will review the request within the Niural platform.
- If approved, the time will be marked on your calendar and may be reflected in project timelines or delivery planning.
- If denied, your schedule remains unchanged.
- Niural does not automatically deduct from your invoice or apply pay adjustments unless your client has explicitly configured that behavior.
Key Considerations for Contractors
- No Assumed Employment Rights: Submitting time off does not entitle you to paid leave unless your contract explicitly states otherwise.
- Local Compliance: If your engagement falls under a jurisdiction where minimum contractor protections apply (such as required sick leave or time off policies in certain U.S. states), your client may have configured policies to reflect these legal obligations.
- Invoice Adjustments: Depending on how your billing is structured (hourly, daily, milestone-based), approved time off may result in non-billable time unless otherwise agreed upon.
- Engagement-Specific Rules: Time off policies for contractors are governed entirely by the SOW and can differ from employee policies in the same organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I accrue paid time off as a contractor?
Only if your contract or SOW includes it. Most contractor roles are not eligible for paid time off unless explicitly outlined.
Q: Will approved time off reduce my invoice amount?
Not automatically. However, your client may mark the time as non-billable depending on the contract. Always refer to your SOW.
Q: Can I request time off outside of Niural?
Yes. If your client prefers direct communication or requires prior discussion before using Niural for time off, follow their instructions as outlined in your contract.
Q: What happens if I take time off without submitting a request?
This may affect your deliverables or relationship with the client. Unreported time off can result in delayed payments or breach of contract if it impacts project milestones.
Q: Does requesting time off through Niural make me an employee?
No. Requesting or tracking time off within Niural does not change your legal classification. You remain an independent contractor unless reclassified through formal agreement.