Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a critical aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction when operating in Honduras. Employers must navigate the specific requirements outlined in the Honduran Labor Code to ensure they are providing the legally mandated time off for their workforce. Understanding these regulations is essential for smooth operations and maintaining a positive employer-employee relationship.
Compliance with local labor laws regarding leave is not just a legal obligation but also contributes to a stable and productive work environment. This guide provides an overview of the key types of leave employees are entitled to in Honduras, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, offering clarity for employers managing teams in the country in 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Honduras are entitled to paid annual vacation leave based on their length of service with the same employer. The minimum duration of vacation increases with the number of years an employee has been employed.
| Years of Service | Minimum Vacation Days |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 10 working days |
| 2 years | 12 working days |
| 3 years | 15 working days |
| 4+ years | 20 working days |
Vacation must be granted by the employer within the three months following the date the employee becomes entitled to it. The timing of the vacation is typically agreed upon between the employer and employee, considering the needs of both parties. Vacation pay is calculated based on the employee's average ordinary salary earned during the six months prior to taking the vacation.
Public Holidays
Honduras observes several national 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 double their ordinary wage for the hours worked.
Here are the public holidays observed in Honduras in 2025:
| Date | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| April 17 | Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo) |
| April 18 | Holy Friday (Viernes Santo) |
| April 19 | Holy Saturday (Sábado de Gloria) |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| September 15 | Independence Day |
| October 3 | Soldier's Day |
| October 12 | Day of the Race (Día de la Raza) |
| October 21 | Army Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Note that the dates for Holy Thursday, Holy Friday, and Holy Saturday (Semana Santa) vary each year based on the Easter calendar. The October holidays (October 3, 12, and 21) are often combined and observed during the week of the 15th, known as the "Civic Week" or "Semana Morazánica," though the specific dates for the combined observance can vary annually.
Sick Leave
Employees in Honduras are entitled to paid sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The duration and payment of sick leave are typically managed through the Honduran Social Security Institute (IHSS) for registered employees.
- Entitlement: Employees registered with IHSS are entitled to receive a percentage of their salary during periods of temporary incapacity due to illness or non-work-related injury.
- Payment: IHSS covers a portion of the employee's salary starting from the fourth day of incapacity. The employer is generally responsible for paying 100% of the salary for the first three days of absence due to illness. From the fourth day onwards, IHSS pays a percentage of the salary (typically 66%) for a specified period, provided the employee meets the contribution requirements.
- Requirements: To receive sick pay benefits, employees must present a medical certificate issued by an authorized doctor or clinic, usually affiliated with IHSS, confirming the illness and the period of incapacity.
Parental Leave
Honduran labor law provides specific entitlements for parental leave, primarily focusing on maternity leave.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 10 weeks (70 days) of paid maternity leave. This leave can be taken starting from five weeks before the expected delivery date, with the remaining time taken after childbirth. During maternity leave, the employee receives 100% of her salary, which is covered by IHSS, provided she meets the contribution requirements.
- Paternity Leave: While the Labor Code does not mandate extensive paid paternity leave, some employers may offer a short period of leave (e.g., a few days) upon the birth of a child, often as a company benefit or through collective agreements. There is no statutory paid paternity leave entitlement comparable to maternity leave under the general Labor Code.
- Adoption Leave: The Labor Code includes provisions for leave related to adoption, granting adoptive mothers similar rights to biological mothers regarding leave, though specific details and duration may vary or be subject to interpretation and social security regulations.
Other Leave Types
Beyond the primary categories, the Honduran Labor Code and common practice may recognize other types of leave, although entitlements can vary.
- Bereavement Leave: While not explicitly detailed with a specific duration in the general Labor Code for all cases, employers often grant a short period of paid leave (e.g., 2-3 days) in the event of the death of an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child). This is often based on internal company policy or collective bargaining agreements.
- Study Leave: There is no general statutory entitlement to paid or unpaid study leave for all employees. Some employers may offer this as a benefit, particularly for training directly related to the employee's job, or it might be included in collective agreements for specific sectors.
- Sabbatical Leave: Sabbatical leave is not a statutory entitlement in Honduras. It is typically a benefit offered by certain employers, often in academic or research fields, and is based entirely on company policy or individual negotiation.
