Holidays: Overview, definition and example
What are holidays?
Holidays refer to designated days when employees are granted time off from work, often with pay, as part of their employment benefits. These may include national or public holidays, company-specific holidays, and personal holidays. Holiday policies in contracts or employee handbooks typically specify which days are recognized as holidays and whether they are paid or unpaid.
For example, a company might grant employees paid time off for holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.
Why are holidays important?
Holidays are important because they support work-life balance and employee well-being while fostering a positive workplace culture. For employers, clear holiday policies help attract and retain talent, ensure consistency in leave management, and maintain compliance with labor laws.
By defining holiday entitlements in employment agreements, companies can avoid confusion or disputes about time off and establish expectations for both employees and management.
Understanding holidays through an example
An employee at a financial services firm is entitled to 10 paid holidays annually, as outlined in their employment contract. These holidays include federal holidays like Thanksgiving and Memorial Day, as well as one floating holiday chosen by the employee. This clarity ensures the employee knows their time-off rights and allows the employer to plan operations accordingly.
An example of a holidays clause
Here’s how a holidays clause might appear in an employment contract:
“The Employee shall be entitled to [Insert Number] paid holidays per calendar year, as determined by the Company’s holiday schedule. Holidays may include national holidays and one floating holiday, which the Employee may select with prior approval from their supervisor. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the Company reserves the right to designate an alternate day off.”
Conclusion
Holidays are a vital component of employment benefits, promoting employee satisfaction and well-being. By defining holiday entitlements and policies clearly in contracts or handbooks, employers can foster transparency, reduce disputes, and maintain smooth operations. A well-drafted holidays clause ensures clarity and fairness, supporting a positive workplace environment.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.