Have you ever wondered how many vacation days Swedes get each year? As one of the most well-known holiday destinations in Europe, Sweden is renowned for its beautiful scenery, picturesque towns, and rich cultural heritage.
But what about the vacation policies in Sweden? Let’s take a closer look at how many vacation days Swedes get.
The Legal Minimum Vacation Days in Sweden
According to Swedish law, all employees are entitled to a minimum of 25 paid vacation days each year. This is known as the “annual leave” entitlement and is based on working full-time hours (40 hours per week). This entitlement also applies to part-time employees but the number of vacation days will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Additional Vacation Days
Many employers offer more than the legal minimum number of vacation days. This can vary depending on the industry, company policy, and length of service. Some companies may offer up to 30 or 35 vacation days per year.
Public Holidays
In addition to annual leave entitlements, Swedes also enjoy a number of public holidays each year. There are currently 11 public holidays in Sweden including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday and Midsummer’s Eve. If a public holiday falls on a day when an employee would normally work, they are entitled to take that day off as paid time off work.
Vacation Scheduling in Sweden
Vacation scheduling in Sweden is done through negotiation between the employer and employee. It is common for Swedish employees to take their annual leave during the summer months when many businesses slow down and close for several weeks. In some cases, employers may even require their employees to take at least two consecutive weeks off during this time.
In Summary
In conclusion, Swedes are entitled to a minimum of 25 paid vacation days each year, with many employers offering more. In addition to this, there are also 11 public holidays throughout the year. Vacation scheduling is done through negotiation between the employer and employee with many Swedes taking their annual leave during the summer months.
If you’re planning a trip to Sweden, keep in mind that many businesses close down for several weeks during July and August, so it’s important to plan accordingly. With so many vacation days available to them, it’s no wonder that Swedes are known for their relaxed and laid-back lifestyle.