We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

Is Vacation Time Legally Required?

Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 14,655
Share

Vacation time is legally required for employees in 70 countries, and more than 35 countries legally require a minimum of three weeks paid time off. Austria requires the most paid vacation days, about 42 days as of 2011, and Brazil and France each required 30 days of paid time off. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), no one in the US is legally required to be paid for any time not worked, making the country the only developed country that requires no paid time off. China and Hong Kong require the least amount of vacation time of those that mandate it, with five days off required as of 2011.

More about paid time off:

  • Almost 60% of Americans whose employers did offer paid time off had vacation days that they did not use by the end of 2011 — averaging 11 vacation days that they did not use.

  • In 2012, the European Court ruled that workers who become ill during their paid time off can receive additional time off to make up for it.

  • The US is the only country that does not require any paid leave for women who give birth.
Share
Allison Boelcke
By Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Discussion Comments
By anon353890 — On Nov 04, 2013

Good post. I liked it!

By anon344216 — On Aug 06, 2013

So why don't Americans take the leave they are entitled to?

By anon342781 — On Jul 24, 2013

I'm moving to another country. U.S. employers run their employees into the ground in an effort to line their own pockets.

By anon342176 — On Jul 18, 2013

We are ruled by conservative dictators who hate working people. They want us to work for peanuts and no benefits but they don't want us voting. They want a theocracy, not a democracy. They should be serving in Saudi Arabia and leave us alone.

Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/is-vacation-time-legally-required.htm
Copy this link
SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.