Blackout Periods
The Blackout Periods plugin blocks time-off requests during specified date ranges. Use it to restrict requests during busy seasons, critical business periods, or annual events.
When to use
Use this plugin when:
- Certain dates are closed for vacation (e.g., fiscal year-end, inventory)
- Annual events block time off (e.g., holiday retail season)
- Project deadlines or releases restrict availability
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Periods | Specific date ranges when time off is blocked. | — |
| Recurring blackouts | Annually recurring blackout periods. | — |
| Warning message | Custom message shown when requesting during a blackout. | — |
Period fields
Each specific period includes:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Start | First day of the blackout (inclusive) |
| End | Last day of the blackout (inclusive) |
| Reason | Why this period is blocked |
Recurring blackout fields
Each recurring blackout includes:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Start month | Month when the blackout begins (1–12) |
| Start day | Day of month when the blackout begins |
| End month | Month when the blackout ends (1–12) |
| End day | Day of month when the blackout ends |
| Reason | Why this period is blocked |
How it works
When an employee submits a request:
- The system checks if any requested dates fall within a blackout period
- Specific date periods are checked first
- Recurring blackouts are expanded to the relevant years
- If there’s any overlap, the request is blocked
Year-wrapping recurring blackouts
Recurring blackouts can span year boundaries. For example, a December 20 to January 5 blackout:
- In 2025, blocks December 20, 2025 through January 5, 2026
- In 2026, blocks December 20, 2026 through January 5, 2027
Examples
Fiscal year-end freeze
Block all time off during your company’s fiscal year-end close:
- Add the Blackout Periods plugin
- Add a specific period:
- Start: Your fiscal year-end date (e.g., June 25, 2026)
- End: A few days later (e.g., July 5, 2026)
- Reason: “Fiscal year-end close”
Annual holiday season
Block vacation during the holiday retail season every year:
- Add the Blackout Periods plugin
- Add a recurring blackout:
- Start month: 11 (November)
- Start day: 20
- End month: 12 (December)
- End day: 31
- Reason: “Holiday season”
Multiple blackout periods
You can combine specific and recurring periods:
- Add recurring blackouts for annual events
- Add specific periods for one-time events (major projects, company events)
Both types are checked for each request.
Year-end closure
Block time off around the New Year:
- Add a recurring blackout:
- Start month: 12 (December)
- Start day: 20
- End month: 1 (January)
- End day: 5
- Reason: “Year-end closure”
Error messages
When a request overlaps with a blackout period, employees see:
- The dates of the blackout
- The reason for the restriction (if provided)
- Any custom warning message you’ve configured