---
title: Define absence approval workflows
description: "Manager only, manager + HR, dual approval, delegated approval during holidays: Illizeo lets you model any flow. With a few clear rules, employees get an answer in 24h instead of 5 days. - **Reading time**5 min - **Level**Intermediate - **Last…"
url: "https://illizeo.com/en/centre-aide/define-absence-approval-workflows/"
updated: "2026-09-21"
category: Absence Management
---

# Define absence approval workflows

Manager only, manager + HR, dual approval, delegated approval during holidays: Illizeo lets you model any flow. With a few clear rules, employees get an answer in 24h instead of 5 days.

- **Reading time**5 min
- **Level**Intermediate
- **Last updated**May 2026
- **Module**Absence Management

## Step-by-step

1. ### Pick a flow per type

   In *Absences → Workflows*, map each absence type to the flow you want: 1 level, 2 levels, conditional.
2. ### Assign approvers

   Direct manager, N+2 manager, HR. You can name a backup approver in case the primary is out.
3. ### Set conditional rules

   Example: sickness auto-approved if certificate uploaded, leave > 5 days requires HR, unpaid always requires HR.
4. ### Configure reminders

   Approver nudge (24h, 48h), escalation to N+1 (3 days), employee notification after each step.
5. ### Test the workflow

   The simulator shows the emails and notifications that would fire for a given case.

## Recommended flow templates

| Type | Flow | Target SLA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Paid leave | Direct manager | 24h |
| Leave > 10 days | Manager + HR | 48h |
| Sickness with cert | Auto-approve + HR info | Immediate |
| Unpaid | Manager + HR + Exec | 5 days |
| Occasional remote | Direct manager, auto-approve D+1 | 24h |

## FAQ

   What if the manager is on leave?

The backup approver takes over automatically. A notification informs the manager on return.

   Can I delegate temporarily?

Yes, from the approver profile: *Delegation → pick a delegate and a period*.

   Do approvers see the team calendar?

Yes, when approving they see other team absences for the same period. Avoids conflicts.

   How to handle external approvers?

You can add approvers without full access (e.g. external accountant). They get an email link to approve.

### See the team calendar

Learn to use the shared calendar to anticipate conflicts.

[See all Modules](/en/centre-aide/?cat=modules)

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