A country’s paid leave policy is usually a reflection of how well they take care of their employees. By granting paid leave to employees through its labor law, a country not only shows that it is one of the best places to work, but it also attracts more employees and reduces turnover. Here is a list of the top 5 countries with the best statutory paid leave policies:

1.    Finland

Finland is very generous when it comes to paid leave culture. Finland offers long leave policies with 30 days of paid vacation leave days, 10 sick leave days, and 164 days of paid parental leave that can be used by both parents. In addition, parents have the right to transfer 69 days of their leave to the other parent. Parental leave allowance is paid until the child is 13 weeks old. In addition to this, single parents are offered the parental leave allowance of two parents.

2.    Germany

In Germany, full-time employees are entitled to avail themselves of 24 days of paid vacation annually. The number of paid annual leave days is calculated on a pro-rata basis for part-time employees. According to German law, employers are entitled to pay 100% wages/salary to their employees during the first six weeks they are out sick. Moreover, Germany has a very generous parental leave policy and allows its employees (male and female) to take up to THREE whole years of parental leave to take care of their newborn. Employees can choose to work for a maximum of 30 hours per week during this time period and are entitled to receive parental allowance.

3.    Iceland

There aren’t many people living in Iceland, but despite that, it has some of the best leave regulations. Every employee has the right to 24 paid leave days on an annual basis. The law grants employees a minimum of 2 days of sick leave per month. Parents are entitled to 39 weeks of paid leave, so each parent has the right to get 13 weeks off if both work at the same company.

4.    Norway

In Norway, employees are entitled to up to 31 days of paid annual leave with sick leave for up to a year. In addition, the parental leave granted in Norway is up to 49 weeks with 100% wages or 59 weeks with 80% wage coverage.

5.    Denmark

Employees in Denmark are entitled to take five weeks off every year as paid annual leave and 30 days of  paid sick leave; however, this may vary based on the contract. Pregnant women in Denmark get up to 18 weeks of paid maternity leave (four weeks before birth and 14 after). The father also has the right to take two complete weeks off at full pay.

Conclusion

There are some countries that prioritize the health and well-being of their employees by granting them long periods of paid leave. This way, the employees feel even more motivated to work hard and perform better. Prioritizing the interests of employees can help countries prosper and set an example for other countries around the world.