Armenia has specific regulations regarding 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. The Armenian Labor Code outlines the minimum standards for various types of leave, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave. These provisions aim to provide employees with adequate time off for rest, personal matters, and family responsibilities.
Armenia's leave policies are designed to support both employees and employers by providing a framework for managing time off. These policies cover a range of situations, from planned vacations to unexpected illnesses and significant life events. By adhering to these regulations, companies can ensure they are meeting their legal obligations and promoting employee well-being.
Annual Vacation Leave
In Armenia, employees are entitled to annual vacation leave, which is designed to allow them to rest and rejuvenate. 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 additional vacation days.
- Minimum Entitlement: 20 working days
- Eligibility: All employees are eligible after a qualifying period of employment, typically six months.
- Scheduling: The timing of the annual leave is typically agreed upon between the employer and the employee, taking into account the needs of both parties.
- Compensation: Employees must receive their average daily wage for the duration of their annual leave.
Public Holidays and Observances
Armenia observes several public holidays throughout the year, during which most businesses are closed. These holidays provide employees with time off to celebrate national and religious events. 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 |
| Spitak Earthquake Remembrance Day | December 7 |
| New Year's Eve | December 31 |
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following working day is usually declared a day off.
Sick Leave
Armenian law provides employees with the right to take sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The duration and compensation for sick leave are governed by specific regulations.
- Entitlement: Employees are entitled to sick leave for the duration of their illness, supported by a medical certificate.
- Compensation: Temporary disability benefits are paid by the employer or the State Social Insurance Fund, depending on the circumstances. The amount of compensation typically ranges from 70% to 80% of the employee's average wage, depending on their length of service and other factors.
- Documentation: A medical certificate from a recognized healthcare provider is required to validate the sick leave.
Parental Leave
Armenia has provisions for parental leave, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, to support parents in caring for their children.
Maternity Leave
Maternity leave is granted to female employees to allow them time off before and after childbirth.
- Duration: Typically, maternity leave consists of 140 days (70 days before and 70 days after childbirth). In the case of complicated births or multiple births, the post-natal leave may be extended.
- Compensation: During maternity leave, employees receive a benefit from the State Social Insurance Fund, usually calculated as a percentage of their average wage.
- Eligibility: All female employees are eligible for maternity leave, regardless of their length of service.
Paternity Leave
Paternity leave is available to fathers to allow them time off after the birth of their child.
- Duration: Fathers are entitled to a certain number of days of leave following the birth of their child. The exact duration may vary, but it is typically around 5-10 working days.
- Compensation: Compensation during paternity leave may be provided by the employer or the State Social Insurance Fund.
- Eligibility: Fathers who are legally employed are eligible for paternity leave.
Adoption Leave
Adoption leave is granted to employees who adopt a child, providing them with time to bond with and care for the child.
- Duration: The duration of adoption leave is similar to maternity leave, allowing adoptive parents sufficient time to care for their newly adopted child.
- Compensation: Adoptive parents are entitled to benefits similar to those provided during maternity leave.
- Eligibility: Employees who legally adopt a child are eligible for adoption leave.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, Armenian law may provide for other types of leave to accommodate various personal circumstances.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees may be entitled to bereavement leave in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration of bereavement leave is usually a few days and is intended to allow employees time to attend to funeral arrangements and grieve.
- Study Leave: Employees who are pursuing further education or professional development may be granted study leave to attend classes or prepare for exams. The terms of study leave, including duration and compensation, may vary depending on the employer's policies and the employee's contract.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not mandated by law, some employers may offer sabbatical leave to employees who have been with the company for a significant period. Sabbatical leave is typically unpaid and allows employees to take an extended break from work for personal or professional development purposes. The terms of sabbatical leave are usually determined on a case-by-case basis.
