Managing employee leave entitlements in Greece requires a clear understanding of local labor laws and regulations. Greek legislation provides employees with various types of leave, ensuring time off for rest, illness, family responsibilities, and other significant life events. Employers operating in Greece, or employing Greek residents, must comply with these statutory requirements to ensure fair treatment of their workforce and avoid potential legal issues.
These entitlements cover a range of situations, from mandatory annual vacation time designed for rest and rejuvenation to specific provisions for illness, childbirth, and other personal circumstances. Navigating these requirements is crucial for maintaining compliance and fostering a positive working environment.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Greece are entitled to paid annual leave, the duration of which typically increases with years of service with the same employer. The minimum entitlement is established by law and collective agreements may provide for more favorable terms.
The minimum statutory annual leave entitlement for full-time employees working a 5-day week is:
| Years of Service | Minimum Annual Leave (Working Days) |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | 20 |
| 1 - 2 years | 21 |
| 2 - 3 years | 22 |
| 3+ years | 25 |
For employees working a 6-day week, the minimum entitlement is:
| Years of Service | Minimum Annual Leave (Working Days) |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | 24 |
| 1 - 2 years | 25 |
| 2 - 3 years | 26 |
| 3+ years | 30 |
Leave is typically accrued proportionally during the first calendar year of employment. After completing one year of service, the full annual entitlement is available. Employees are generally required to take their leave within the calendar year it is accrued, though specific arrangements can be made. Employers must pay employees their regular salary plus a vacation bonus (usually half a month's salary) before the leave begins.
Public Holidays
Greece observes a number of national and religious public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to premium pay.
Key public holidays observed in Greece include:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 6 | Epiphany |
| March 25 | Independence Day |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| August 15 | Assumption Day |
| October 28 | Ohi Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | St. Stephen's Day |
| Variable | Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) |
| Variable | Good Friday |
| Variable | Easter Sunday |
| Variable | Easter Monday |
| Variable | Holy Spirit Monday |
Note that the variable dates depend on the Orthodox Christian calendar. Some regions or cities may also observe local patron saint days or other specific holidays.
Sick Leave Policies and Pay
Employees in Greece are entitled to paid sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The duration of paid sick leave depends on the employee's length of service with the employer.
| Years of Service | Employer Paid Sick Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | 1 month |
| 1 - 4 years | 3 months |
| 4 - 15 years | 4 months |
| 15+ years | 6 months |
During the initial period of sick leave (typically the first 3 days), the employer is responsible for paying the employee's full salary. For longer periods of illness, the Social Insurance Institute (EFKA) provides sick pay benefits, supplementing or replacing the employer's payment depending on the duration and the employee's contribution history. Employees are generally required to provide a medical certificate to their employer to justify their absence due to illness.
Parental Leave
Greek law provides various types of leave related to parenthood, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, designed to support families and the care of newborns or newly adopted children.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 17 weeks of maternity leave, typically taken as 8 weeks before the expected date of childbirth and 9 weeks after. During this period, employees receive benefits from EFKA, often supplemented by the employer to reach the full salary.
- Paternity Leave: Fathers are entitled to 14 working days of paternity leave, which can be taken either two days before the expected date of birth and the remaining 12 days within 30 days of the birth, or all 14 days within 30 days of the birth. This leave is paid by the employer.
- Parental Leave for Childcare: Each parent is entitled to parental leave for childcare until the child reaches the age of 8. This leave can last up to 4 months per parent and is generally unpaid, although specific provisions or collective agreements may offer paid options or benefits.
- Leave for Care of a Child: Parents are entitled to paid leave for the care of a sick child, typically up to 4 working days per year per parent, until the child reaches the age of 16.
- Adoption Leave: Employees adopting a child under the age of 8 are entitled to 8 weeks of paid leave from the date the child is placed with them.
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the main categories, Greek labor law and collective agreements recognize other specific types of leave:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically entitled to paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member (e.g., spouse, child, parent, sibling). The duration is usually 2 working days.
- Marriage Leave: Employees are generally entitled to 5 or 6 working days of paid leave for their marriage, depending on whether they work a 5-day or 6-day week.
- Study Leave: Employees pursuing studies may be entitled to a certain number of days off for exams, often unpaid unless specified otherwise by collective agreement.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not a statutory right for all employees, longer-term unpaid leave (sabbatical) may be agreed upon between the employer and employee, often for personal development or other significant reasons.
- Leave for Voting: Employees are entitled to paid leave to exercise their right to vote in national or local elections if the polling station is located far from their workplace.
