Paid time off in Europe

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for organizations. One key aspect that plays a significant role in an employee’s decision-making process is the availability and structure of paid time off (PTO) policies. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of PTO in Europe, highlighting different policies and practices implemented across countries.

Understanding Paid Time Off

Paid time off, also known as leave entitlement, refers to when employees are granted a break from work while receiving their regular compensation. PTO encompasses various types of leaves, such as vacation days, personal days, sick leave, parental leave, and public holidays. 

The articles of the collection “Taxes and Payrolls” of our blog explain the specific situation of each country.

How many vacation days are workers receiving across Europe?

The employees in Finland and in Andorra are the Europeans with the most vacation days, with 30 days. However, Norwegians over 60 are entitled to 31 days off. Most countries receive between 20 and 30 days. Except from Turkey which has a minimum of only 14 (which increases to 20 days of paid leave when the employee has completed five years of service).

Having said that, it is key to remember that this is not the only metric showing the employee’s labour conditions. The number of hours worked in a week, the overtime conditions, the availability of sick leave or maternity/paternity/parental leave… All these factors should be considered together to get the actual context of each country.

Variable number of vacation days

In many countries, the number of vacation days can vary. It depends on many different variables. For example, in Austria, employees usually get 25 vacation days. However, once an employee completes 25 years or longer for the same employer, the entitlement increases to 30 days.

Several countries such as Belgium apply the fact that for a five-day week, the entitlement would be 20 days paid annual leave and for a six-day week, 24 days.

In other places, minor employees and employees from specific industries are entitled to an increased annual paid leave. These industries usually are the ones that are subject to harmful impacts (such as firemen, mine and explosive handlers, divers, etc.).

Having children also can increase the number of vacation days per year. In Hungary, you can get up to seven extra working days of holiday if you have at least three children.

What about public holidays?

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Europe is a diverse continent with a rich cultural heritage, and each country within Europe has its own unique set of public holidays. The total number of public national holiday days varies greatly from one country to another. The top 3 countries with more public holidays are Azerbaijan with 24 days and San Marino and Bosnia and Herzegovina with 20 public holidays both. Followed by Georgia with 17.

The countries with fewer public holidays are Switzerland and the UK with 8 days. Followed by Ireland and Germany with 9.

There are holidays that are widely celebrated across all European countries, such as Christmas Day (December 25th) or Labor Day (May 1st). A holiday that all countries celebrate but on different dates is their own national day to commemorate independence, their constitution, or other significant events. For example, France celebrates Bastille Day on July 14th, Germany celebrates German Unity Day on October 3rd, and Italy celebrates Festa della Repubblica on June 2nd.

Some countries have replacement rest days if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, for example in Spain. While other countries such as Belarus, do not replace them in those cases.

Some countries with a low number of public holidays compensate by having many vacation days, and vice versa. However, in the case of San Marino and Andorra, both values are high. This makes them the second and the fourth countries with more total vacation days (including public holidays) in the world with 46 and 44 days respectively.

In general, all European countries enjoy good conditions with respect to vacation days. And none of them is positioned in the top 20 with fewer vacation days worldwide.

Benefits of Robust PTO Policies

Even if PTO regulation comes from each country’s government. It only establishes the minimum conditions. Each company can aim for their own PTO policies, such as Netflix’s policy to offer unlimited vacation days.

These are the benefits of offering paid time off to your employees:

• Employee Well-being: Adequate time off improves employee well-being, reduces stress levels, and prevents burnout, leading to increased productivity and engagement when employees return to work.
• Work-Life Balance: Well-designed PTO policies enable employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance, allowing them to spend quality time with family, pursue personal interests, and recharge.
• Attracting and Retaining Talent: Organizations that offer generous PTO policies have a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent. Candidates are more likely to choose employers who prioritize work-life balance and value their employees’ well-being.

Conclusion

Paid time off policies in Europe vary across countries and organizations. Understanding the diverse practices and benefits associated with PTO is crucial for employers aiming to attract and retain skilled professionals. By offering robust PTO policies, organisations can foster a positive work environment, enhance employee satisfaction, and gain a competitive edge in the talent market. Prioritizing employees’ well-being through PTO policies ultimately contributes to a happier, more engaged workforce and long-term business success.

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