Maximising holiday entitlements
A recent survey has found that over 40% of workers failed to use their full holiday entitlement last year. It also found that one in five people did not use five or more days of annual leave which equates to a week off work, writes Caroline Reidy
Print26 December 2024
In Ireland, the legislation surrounding annual leave is governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. This law outlines the rights and entitlements of employees to paid leave.
Minimum annual leave entitlement
Full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks of paid annual leave per year.
For employees who do not work regular hours, annual leave is calculated as:
- Four working weeks in a leave year if the employee has worked at least 1,365 hours in that year.
- One-third of a working week for every month in which the employee worked at least 117 hours.
- 8% of the hours worked in a leave year, subject to a maximum of 4 working weeks.
Leave for part-time workers
Part-time workers are entitled to annual leave on a pro-rata basis. They accumulate annual leave based on hours worked, and part-timers are also entitled to public holiday benefits if they have worked 40 hours in the five weeks preceding the public holiday.
Accrual of annual leave
Annual leave accrues based on time worked, including during statutory leave like maternity leave, adoptive leave, paternity leave, parental leave and parents leave.
Annual leave continues to accrue during periods of certified sick leave, and if the leave year expires, employees may carry over this leave for up to 15 months.
Carrying over leave
Employers must allow employees to take their statutory annual leave within the leave year or within six months after the leave year ends.
Requesting leave and employer rights
Employers have the right to decide when annual leave is taken, but they must consider the employee’s needs as well as business requirements.
Leave and termination of employment
If an employee leaves their job (whether through resignation or dismissal), they are entitled to payment in lieu of untaken annual leave. This is calculated based on how much annual leave has been accrued up to the date of termination.
It is crucial that employees utilise their Annual Leave as maximizing your annual leave can significantly boost productivity and work-life balance. Below are some useful tips to get the most from your annual leave.
- Plan early
Request and book in advance ensuring your holiday aligns with personal or family events, not peak seasons if you wish, or desired travel plans.
Coordinate with your colleagues: If your workplace has a limited leave policy, ensure you book early to avoid conflicting dates and avoid disappointment.
- Take advantage of public holidays and weekends
Extend long weekends: Plan your leave around public holidays to maximise time off. For instance, taking a day or two before or after a long weekend can give you a mini-holiday without using too many leave days.
Spread out short breaks: Instead of taking all your leave at once, break it up into smaller pieces around weekends for more frequent, restful breaks.
- Set boundaries
Remembering the right to disconnect: Ensure you set out-of-office messages and resist the urge to check work emails or messages. Utilise the time to relax.
Delegate: If you have ongoing work, ensure someone covers your tasks, or schedule them for when you return.
- Use leave for personal development
Self-care days: You do not always have to wait for holidays. Use some annual leave days for wellness days to recharge.
- Travel smart
Off-peak travel: Maximise your leave by traveling during off-peak seasons, if possible, for better rates and fewer visitors.
Local getaways: Plan nearby trips that require minimal travel time, so you spend more time enjoying the break and less time traveling.
- Tackle personal projects
Home improvements: Use leave to complete home renovations or personal projects you never have time for during regular workdays. This can be equally therapeutic.
Quality family time: Plan activities or trips that strengthen relationships with friends and family.
- Stay flexible
Additional time: Always leave an additional day before returning to work. It gives you time to recover and plan your return with less stress.
- Prioritise rest
Balance activity with rest: Plan both active and relaxing days during your break. Too much activity might make you feel like you need another holiday.
Staycation option: You do not always need to travel across the world. Enjoy a “staycation” where you relax at home, explore your local area, or simply put your feet up
Annual Leave is your time to relax, recharge and reenergise so ensure that you utilise to the max.
Read more: What is Leave for Medical Care Purposes?
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