Home Leave FAQs
All of your home leave questions answered
SOMC LEAVE FAQS
Who does this policy apply to?
This policy applies to all Foreign Service Employees (FSEs) and Foreign Nationals employed by Seaboard Overseas Management Company that are eligible for home leave, emergency leave, or bereavement leave.
How much home leave do I get?
Home leave entitlements are outlined in the offer letter for each employee.
Can I take my vacation as individual days?
While we encourage employees to take leave time in weekly increments, it is allowed to take leave as individual days. Leave may not be taken as individual days for the purpose of linking holidays. If your leave is scheduled over a local holiday, the holiday will be counted as days against your leave balance.
Do travel days count as leave?
Saturdays and Sundays do not count as leave days.
Who is eligible for company-paid travel?
Company-paid travel is provided for:
• The employee
• Authorized spouse (per Country Appendix)
• Dependent children under age 18 residing abroad with the employee
Can I travel to a destination other than my home country?
Yes. Employees may elect an alternate destination; however, reimbursement is limited to the lesser of:
• The cost of travel to the home country in the approved class of service, or
• The cost to the alternate destination.
What is the Long-Haul Travel Benefit?
This benefit applies when an employee travels to their home country and meets all of the following conditions:
• The flight is in Economy Class
• The flight exceeds 8 hours
• The destination is the employee’s home country
When these criteria are met, the employee receives two (2) additional vacation days per trip, up to a maximum of two (2) days per year
When does the Long-Haul Travel Benefit not apply?
The benefit does not apply if the employee chooses to travel to an alternate destination rather than returning to their home country.
What is the Alternate Destination Allowance?
Instead of traveling to their home country, employees may choose to travel to an alternate destination outside of their home country. Flight costs are limited to the average cost of travel to the home country. Should the airfare to the alternate destination cost more than the home country, arrangements can be made for the employee to cover the excess costs through payroll deduction, credit card payment.
What if I don’t use all my home leave flights?
Unused home leave flights are forfeited as of December 31; no allowance or compensation will be provided for unused flights.
What happens if I don’t use my leave by year-end?
Unused leave is forfeited on December 31 unless written approval for carryover is obtained from the Division President and Human Resources by November 1.
What if I book home leave on my own?
Employees may book independently only if they can demonstrate that the ticket is less expensive than booking through an SOTG-approved travel provider and they follow the home leave request and approval process. Approval must be obtained prior to booking and at least 28 days prior to departure. Reimbursement is subject to verification and approval.
How far in advance must I submit a home leave request?
Requests must be submitted no later than 28 days prior to departure, unless extraordinary circumstances prevent advance notice.
What qualifies as bereavement leave?
Bereavement leave of up to one week is granted in the event of the death of an immediate family member, defined as a parent, sibling, or child, when the employee travels home to manage arrangements.
What should I do if I need to book a flight for an emergency?
Employees should notify their manager and HR as soon as possible. If immediate approval is not possible due to the nature of the emergency, notification should be provided as soon as possible thereafter. If necessary, HR will assist with coordination through our emergency evacuation and/or global benefits providers.