Back to Leave management

What do EL, SL, CL and LOP mean?

A plain-language guide to the common leave types — EL, SL, CL and LOP — and how each one behaves when you apply for time off.

~3 min read · For all · Updated 1 Aug 2026

Quick answer

EL is Earned Leave, which builds up over time and can often carry forward or be paid out. SL is Sick Leave for illness. CL is Casual Leave for short personal reasons. LOP is Loss of Pay, an unpaid day used when your balance runs out.

What does each leave type mean?

Here is a simple example of the types you might see at the top of Time Off:

EL  Earned Leave     Builds up monthly. Usually carries forward. Often encashable.
SL  Sick Leave       For illness. May need a medical certificate.
CL  Casual Leave     For short personal reasons. Usually cannot carry forward.
LOP Loss of Pay      Unpaid. Used when your paid balance is finished.

What is Earned Leave (EL)?

  • Also called Privilege Leave in some companies.
  • You earn it slowly over the year, for example a small amount each month.
  • Unused EL usually carries forward into the next year, up to a limit.
  • It can often be encashed, meaning paid out, when you leave or at year end.

What is Sick Leave (SL)?

  • Used when you are unwell and cannot work.
  • For longer sick spells, your org may ask for a medical certificate.
  • It is meant for genuine illness, not general days off.

What is Casual Leave (CL)?

  • Used for short personal reasons, like errands or a family task.
  • Usually taken in small amounts, often a day or two at a time.
  • It usually does not carry forward, so unused CL may lapse at year end.

What is Loss of Pay (LOP)?

  • LOP means the day is unpaid.
  • It is used when you need time off but your paid balance is already zero.
  • Because it affects pay, apply for LOP only when you have no paid balance left.

Do these rules apply to everyone?

Not exactly. Your admin sets the leave policy for your organisation. The names, the number of days, and the carry-forward rules can all differ from the examples above. Always check the balances shown at the top of your Time Off page.

Frequently asked questions

Why don't I see all of these leave types?
Your organisation chooses which types to use. Your admin sets the policy, so your list may differ.
What happens when my balance reaches zero?
If you still need time off, extra days are usually treated as LOP, which means unpaid leave.