In Zimbabwe, employees are legally entitled to paid vacation leave after they complete one year of continuous service with an employer, according to the Labour Act. The entitlement is calculated at the rate of one-twelfth of the employee's qualifying service in each year of employment. This equates to 30 calendar days or approximately 22 working days annually. Employers can offer more generous leave provisions in employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements.

Accrual and Carryover

Vacation days usually accrue on a monthly basis, approximately 2.5 days per month. The Labour Act restricts the maximum accrual of vacation leave to 90 days. Ideally, employees should take their accrued leave within the year. However, under specific circumstances, employers may allow carryover of unused leave.

Scheduling

Although employees have a right to vacation leave, the employer has the right to determine when employees can take their leave to ensure smooth business operations. Employers should try to accommodate employee preferences for vacation time whenever possible.

Payment During Vacation Leave

During their vacation leave period, employees are entitled to receive their regular wages or salary.

Zimbabwe celebrates a variety of national, historical, and religious holidays throughout the year.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1): This day marks the beginning of a new calendar year.
• Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day (February 21): This day honors the legacy of the former president, Robert Mugabe, and celebrates Zimbabwean youth.
• Independence Day (April 18): This day commemorates Zimbabwe's independence from British rule in 1980.
• Workers' Day (May 1): Also known as International Workers' Day or Labor Day, this day recognizes the contributions of workers worldwide.
• Africa Day (May 25): This day celebrates African unity and the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union).
• Heroes' Day (Second Monday of August): This day honors the sacrifices of those who fought for Zimbabwe's liberation.
• Defence Forces Day (Second Tuesday of August): This day recognizes the Zimbabwean Defence Forces.
• Unity Day (December 22): This day marks the 1987 Unity Accord, which brought together two major political parties in Zimbabwe.

Religious Holidays

• Christmas Day (December 25): This day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (December 26): This day is observed the day after Christmas.
• Good Friday: This is the Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• Easter Monday: This is the Monday after Easter Sunday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Please note that the exact dates of religious holidays like Good Friday and Easter Monday vary each year based on the Christian calendar.

In Zimbabwe, labor laws and employment regulations provide for several types of leave aimed at ensuring work-life balance and accommodating employees' diverse needs.

Vacation/Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to paid vacation leave after completing one year of continuous service with an employer. Employees accrue leave at the rate of one-twelfth of the employee's qualifying service in each year of employment. This is generally equivalent to 30 calendar days or approximately 22 working days annually. Vacation leave promotes rest, relaxation, and affords employees time to pursue personal interests or travel.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are granted 98 days of paid maternity leave. Maternity leave can begin no earlier than 45 days before the expected due date and no later than 21 days prior. Maternity leave safeguards the health and well-being of mothers and newborns, allowing for recovery and bonding time.

Sick Leave

Employees may be granted up to 90 days of sick leave per year on full pay, followed by an additional 90 days on half pay if supported by a medical certificate. Sick leave caters for instances of illness or injury, enabling employees to recuperate without financial hardship.

Family Responsibility Leave

Employees are allowed up to five days of paid leave per year to attend to pressing family needs. Family responsibility leave recognizes the importance of addressing urgent family matters, such as the illness of a dependent or family emergencies.

Other Types of Leave

While not explicitly outlined in the Labour Act, many employers offer compassionate leave to support employees who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Some employers may provide study leave opportunities to facilitate employee development and training. It's crucial that employees familiarize themselves with their specific employer's leave policies to understand their full entitlements.