Armenia has specific labor laws that govern vacation and leave policies to protect employee rights and ensure a balance between work and personal life. Understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses operating in Armenia to maintain compliance and foster a positive work environment. These policies cover various types of leave, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, each with its own set of rules and entitlements.
Adhering to Armenian labor laws regarding leave and vacation is not only a legal requirement but also a key factor in attracting and retaining talent. Clear and fair leave policies contribute to employee well-being and job satisfaction. Below is a detailed overview of the different types of leave entitlements in Armenia.
Annual Vacation Leave
In Armenia, employees are entitled to annual vacation leave, which is regulated by the Labor Code. The minimum duration of annual leave is 20 working days. Certain categories of employees, such as those working in hazardous conditions or with irregular work schedules, may be entitled to longer periods of leave.
- Employees accrue vacation leave based on their length of service.
- Employers must grant employees the opportunity to take their annual leave within the calendar year.
- Unused vacation days can be carried over to the next year only under specific circumstances and by mutual agreement between the employer and employee.
- Employees are entitled to receive their average salary for the duration of their annual leave, which must be paid no later than three days before the start of the leave.
Public Holidays and Observances
Armenia observes several public holidays throughout the year. On these days, most businesses and government offices are closed. Here is a list of public holidays in Armenia:
| Holiday Name | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1-2 |
| Christmas | January 6 |
| Army Day | January 28 |
| International Women's Day | March 8 |
| Day of Maternity and Beauty | April 7 |
| Labor Day | May 1 |
| Victory and Peace Day | May 9 |
| Republic Day | May 28 |
| Constitution Day | July 5 |
| Independence Day | September 21 |
| New Year's Eve | December 31 |
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following working day is typically declared a day off. Employers are required to provide employees with these days off with full pay.
Sick Leave Policies and Pay
Employees in Armenia are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The duration and compensation for sick leave are governed by the Labor Code and relevant social security regulations.
- Employees must provide a medical certificate from a healthcare provider to be eligible for sick leave.
- The first five days of sick leave are typically paid by the employer.
- After the initial five days, sick leave is usually covered by social security benefits.
- The amount of sick leave pay is determined by the employee's length of service and contributions to the social security fund.
Parental Leave Entitlements
Armenia provides comprehensive parental leave benefits to support new parents, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
Maternity Leave
- Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave, which typically begins 70 days before the expected date of delivery and continues for 70 days after the birth.
- In cases of complicated births or multiple births, the post-natal leave may be extended.
- Maternity leave is compensated through social security benefits, usually at a rate of 100% of the employee's average salary.
Paternity Leave
- Fathers are entitled to paternity leave upon the birth of their child.
- The duration of paternity leave is typically a few days, as specified by the employer's internal policies or collective agreements.
- Paternity leave may be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer's policies.
Adoption Leave
- Employees who adopt a child are entitled to adoption leave, which allows them to care for the child.
- The duration of adoption leave is similar to maternity leave, providing ample time for bonding and care.
- Adoption leave is also compensated through social security benefits.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, Armenian labor law and employer policies may provide for other types of leave, such as:
- Bereavement Leave: Granted to employees in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration and pay may vary.
- Study Leave: Provided to employees pursuing further education or professional development. This leave may be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer's policies and the relevance of the study to the employee's job.
- Sabbatical Leave: Some employers may offer sabbatical leave for long-term employees to pursue personal or professional projects. Sabbatical leave is typically unpaid and subject to specific eligibility requirements.
- Marriage Leave: Granted to employees getting married. The duration is usually a few days.
- Military Leave: Granted to employees for mandatory military service or training.
