Vacation Time – a Great Type of Leave
By Dawn Robson
Vacation is the opportunity for people to take time off of work and spend time doing the things they enjoy – be it travel, sports, arts, music, time with family or friends, or relaxing “down time”.
Many organizations, recognizing the importance of vacation both for their employee’s well-being and in an effort to be an Employer of Choice, will provide vacation benefits above and beyond what is required by law.
Legal Requirements – The Bare Minimum
According to the Employment Standards Act, after completing one year of service an employee is entitled to two weeks off with pay. Upon completing five years of service, the employee is entitled to three weeks of annual vacation. Administratively, organizations will accrue 2% of earnings for each week awarded and this sits in the employee’s “vacation bank”. This is effectively used to “fund” the time off and the employee would receive their regular earnings when they are off on vacation. In the event that the employee leaves the organization, any funds in their vacation bank would be paid out to them on their final pay cheque.
All vacation earned should be taken within twelve months. For some employees working on a part time or ad-hoc basis, vacation pay may be provided on each pay cheque, and when vacation time is taken – it would be provided without pay.
Common Practices
Here are a couple of examples of how employers can support their staff with additional paid time off.
- Many employers will allow their staff the opportunity to take paid vacation prior to the end of the first year of employment. This allows for an early recognition of the importance of a work life balance.
- Employers may provide more vacation time the longer that someone is at the organization. Increases to 4, 5 or 6 weeks could happen based on length of service, and as an added perk to recognize the longer term commitment to the organization.
- Employers may also offer additional vacation during the first 5 years in order to be competitive with other employers in the area or their industry or to recognize more senior level positions.
Extended Vacation – Leave of Absence
In recognition of an employee’s desire to take an extended time off, some employers may allow for an unpaid leave of absence after vacation time and pay have been utilized. Employees may be interested in a special and longer travel excursion or a return to university for upgrading. Effectively, the employer would commit to holding the job open for a certain period. If offered, this option would only be provided with management approval. This leave is not provided for in the regulations.
Remember that life is short – so it is important that everyone takes the time to enjoy!
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