Understand the regulations on vacation and other types of leave in Zimbabwe
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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