Work hours and vacation around the world

afro-elf · 06-26-2003, 10:56 PM

Are you enjoying your two weeks of vacation this summer? In other countries, vacation can stretch a lot longer. Here are some examples:

Australia

Most workers in Australia work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Australians earn significantly more vacation time than Americans, for example Australians have three months off after 15 years of services. Since Australia’s summer is in December and January, most Australians take their vacation then, combine summer break with the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays.

Belgium

The standard work week in Belgium is Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours, and cannot exceed 40 hours. Overtime must be compensated by overtime pay and an equal amount of paid time off. Employees who have completed at least a full year’s service typically receive 24 days of vacation time annually.

China

China’s standard workweek is 40 hours long, with a mandated 24-hour rest period each week. There are seven paid public holidays, and employees usually get seven to 14 days of vacation each year.

France

Beginning in 2000, the legal workweek for companies with more than 20 employees is 35 hours; smaller companies have until 2002 to adjust to the new law. French vacation benefits tend to be very generous. Typically, workers earn around four weeks of vacation each year.

Hong Kong

After being employed continuously for 12 months, an employee is entitled to vacation leave, usually ranging from seven to 14 days per year. Senior staff and executives generally get four to six weeks off each year. The normal workweek in Hong Kong is 44 to 48 hours spread over six days.

Italy

The Italian work week, is 40 hours long. The regular work week should not exceed six days, and a work day shouldn’t last more than eight hours. Workers receive at least four weeks of paid vacation, with many getting up to six weeks off.

Korea

The maximum legal work week in Korea is 44 hours, with overtime pay when necessary. Each week, employees are legally entitled to a 24-hour rest period. Employees earn one paid vacation day each month, plus ten days after one year with perfect attendance.

Norway

Normal work hours are limited by law to 37.5 hours per week, usually running Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Norwegian law also provides for 25 paid vacation days per year and a legally mandated 28-hour rest period on holidays and weekends. Employees have a right to sick leave and women are entitled to maternity leave with full pay for up to 42 weeks, or 52 weeks at 78 percent of her pay.

Singapore

Most companies in Singapore operate on a five-and-a-half-day work week, with Saturday being the half day. The standard legal work week is 44 hours long. Employees are entitled to a minimum of seven days of vacation leave for the first year of service, with most enjoying two to three weeks of leave and paid sick leave.

06-26-2003, 10:56 PM	#1
afro-elf Hoplite Nomad Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 3,931	Work hours and vacation around the world Are you enjoying your two weeks of vacation this summer? In other countries, vacation can stretch a lot longer. Here are some examples: Australia Most workers in Australia work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Australians earn significantly more vacation time than Americans, for example Australians have three months off after 15 years of services. Since Australia’s summer is in December and January, most Australians take their vacation then, combine summer break with the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays. Belgium The standard work week in Belgium is Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours, and cannot exceed 40 hours. Overtime must be compensated by overtime pay and an equal amount of paid time off. Employees who have completed at least a full year’s service typically receive 24 days of vacation time annually. China China’s standard workweek is 40 hours long, with a mandated 24-hour rest period each week. There are seven paid public holidays, and employees usually get seven to 14 days of vacation each year. France Beginning in 2000, the legal workweek for companies with more than 20 employees is 35 hours; smaller companies have until 2002 to adjust to the new law. French vacation benefits tend to be very generous. Typically, workers earn around four weeks of vacation each year. Hong Kong After being employed continuously for 12 months, an employee is entitled to vacation leave, usually ranging from seven to 14 days per year. Senior staff and executives generally get four to six weeks off each year. The normal workweek in Hong Kong is 44 to 48 hours spread over six days. Italy The Italian work week, is 40 hours long. The regular work week should not exceed six days, and a work day shouldn’t last more than eight hours. Workers receive at least four weeks of paid vacation, with many getting up to six weeks off. Korea The maximum legal work week in Korea is 44 hours, with overtime pay when necessary. Each week, employees are legally entitled to a 24-hour rest period. Employees earn one paid vacation day each month, plus ten days after one year with perfect attendance. Norway Normal work hours are limited by law to 37.5 hours per week, usually running Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Norwegian law also provides for 25 paid vacation days per year and a legally mandated 28-hour rest period on holidays and weekends. Employees have a right to sick leave and women are entitled to maternity leave with full pay for up to 42 weeks, or 52 weeks at 78 percent of her pay. Singapore Most companies in Singapore operate on a five-and-a-half-day work week, with Saturday being the half day. The standard legal work week is 44 hours long. Employees are entitled to a minimum of seven days of vacation leave for the first year of service, with most enjoying two to three weeks of leave and paid sick leave. __________________ About Eowyn, Does anyone know what her alias Dernhelm means? She was kown as dernhelm because of her exclaimation when she realized that the rider's headgear was heavy and obscured her sight. 'Dern Helm" Culled from Entmoot From Kirinski 57 and Wayfarer.