Paid Holiday Statistics By Number of Paid Leaves by Country, Commonly Offered, Industry And Region
Updated · Jan 10, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Editor’s Choice
- General Paid Holiday Statistics
- American’s Attitude Towards Paid Holidays
- Paid Holiday Statistics By Number of Paid Leaves By Country 2024
- Most Common Perks Offered By Recruitment Managers in The US in 2024
- Countries with The Least Paid Holidays
- Most Commonly Offered Paid Holidays in The US
- How Many Paid Holidays Do The US Companies Offer?
- Share of Private Industry Workers With Paid Vacation as of March 2024
- Share of workers with Access to Paid Vacation Leave By Company Size
- Paid Time Off (PTO) Industry Worldwide in 2024
- Regional Share of Companies Offering PTO in 2024
- The Future of the PTO Industry
- New Trends in Paid Time Off (PTO) in 2024
- Conclusion
Introduction
Paid Holiday Statistics: Paid holidays are a cornerstone of modern labor practices, balancing work and personal life. These designated days off work, typically observed on cultural or religious holidays, provide a much-needed respite for employees to recharge and reconnect with their loved ones. One of the primary benefits of paid holidays is their positive impact on employee well-being.
By allowing individuals to step away from their professional responsibilities, these holidays contribute to reduced stress, improved mental health, and increased job satisfaction. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to their employers.
Editor’s Choice
- 27% of employees prefer unlimited PTO, and 70% of employees support the idea of PTO.
- Paid holiday statistics show that 28 million Americans do not have access to paid holidays or paid vacations.
- The majority of the employees in the US get paid holidays during Christmas and Thanksgiving.
- As of today, 42% of employees with a choice of unlimited PTO have reported working always on vacation.
- 80% of the employees prefer to get lower-paid jobs if the company is offering paid jobs.
- Paid holiday statistics show that 4% of US organizations provide unlimited paid time off, while 20% of the media, finance, and tech industries offer unlimited PTO.
- 32% of Americans usually get paid a holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.
- Jobera reports that more than half of the Americans who receive the privilege of paid holidays use them; however, 46% do not.
- PTO (paid time off for volunteering) is the fourth most common perks offered by recruitment managers in the US, resulting in 59%
- 43% of employees in hospitality and leisure industries are allowed PTO but at lower rates.
- 62% of employees believe paid time off is important in their life.
General Paid Holiday Statistics
- Around 31% of employees in the US are not offered paid time off.
- Paid holiday statistics show that 28 million Americans do not have access to paid holidays or paid vacations.
- More than 765 million vacations go unutilized by Americans.
- On average, an employee in the US is given 7.6 paid holidays.
- According to Forbes, 7.6 paid holidays are given to 21% of employees in the US.
- 27% of employees prefer unlimited PTO, and 70% of employees support the idea of PTO.
- Paid holiday statistics show that 4% of US organizations provide unlimited paid time off, while 20% of the media, finance, and tech industries offer unlimited PTO.
- As of today, 42% of employees with a choice of unlimited PTO have reported working always on vacation.
- 43% of employees in hospitality and leisure industries are allowed PTO but at lower rates.
- According to Jobera, 6 days is the average length of paid holidays.
- The majority of the employees in the US get paid holidays during Christmas and Thanksgiving.
- 40 million Americans, i.e. 1 in 4 employees, do not get paid holidays.
- Paid holiday Statistics reveal that 32% of Americans usually get paid a holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.
- 80% of the employees prefer to get lower-paid jobs if the company is offering paid jobs.
American’s Attitude Towards Paid Holidays
(Source: jobera.com)
Jobera reports that more than half of the Americans who receive the privilege of paid holidays use them; however, 46% do not.
Paid Holiday Statistics By Number of Paid Leaves By Country 2024
| Country | Paid vacation days by year | Paid public holidays | Total paid leave |
| Iran | 26 | 27 | 53 |
| Burkina Faso | 30 | 15 | 45 |
| Cambodia | 18 | 27 | 45 |
| Andorra | 31 | 14 | 45 |
| Bahrain | 30 | 14 | 44 |
| Kuwait | 30 | 13 | 43 |
| Russia | 28 | 14 | 42 |
| France | 31 | 11 | 42 |
| Algeria | 30 | 11 | 41 |
| Poland | 28 | 13 | 41 |
| Malta | 27 | 14 | 41 |
| Sri Lanka | 20 | 20 | 40 |
| Kazakhstan | 24 | 16 | 40 |
| United Arab Emirates | 30 | 10 | 40 |
| Azerbaijan | 21 | 19 | 40 |
| Panama | 30 | 10 | 40 |
| Luxembourg | 29 | 11 | 40 |
| Georgia | 24 | 15 | 39 |
| Estonia | 28 | 11 | 39 |
| Austria | 25 | 13 | 38 |
| Mauritius | 22 | 16 | 38 |
| Iceland | 24 | 14 | 38 |
| Slovakia | 22.5 | 15 | 37.5 |
| Tanzania | 20 | 17 | 37 |
| Yemen | 22 | 15 | 37 |
| Ukraine | 24 | 13 | 37 |
| Syria | 24 | 13 | 37 |
| Benin | 24 | 13 | 37 |
| Lebanon | 15 | 22 | 37 |
| Spain | 22 | 14 | 36 |
| Denmark | 25 | 11 | 36 |
| Finland | 25 | 11 | 36 |
| India | 25 | 11 | 35 |
| South Korea | 20 | 15 | 35 |
| Afghanistan | 20 | 15 | 35 |
| Madagascar | 22 | 13 | 35 |
| Norway | 25 | 10 | 35 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 25 | 10 | 35 |
| Djibouti | 25 | 10 | 35 |
| Egypt | 21 | 13 | 34 |
| Peru | 22 | 12 | 34 |
| Ivory Coast | 20 | 14 | 34 |
| Niger | 22 | 12 | 34 |
| Sweden | 25 | 9 | 34 |
| Lithuania | 20 | 14 | 34 |
| Gabon | 20 | 14 | 34 |
| Cyprus | 20 | 14 | 34 |
| Sao Tome and Principe | 25 | 9 | 34 |
| Seychelles | 21 | 13 | 34 |
| Colombia | 15 | 18 | 33 |
| Angola | 22 | 11 | 33 |
| Romania | 20 | 13 | 33 |
| Zimbabwe | 22 | 11 | 33 |
| Guinea | 22 | 11 | 33 |
| Czech Republic | 20 | 13 | 33 |
| Hungary | 20 | 13 | 33 |
| Belarus | 24 | 9 | 33 |
| Palestine | 21 | 12 | 33 |
| Croatia | 20 | 13 | 33 |
| Slovenia | 20 | 13 | 33 |
| Italy | 20 | 12 | 32 |
| Senegal | 20 | 12 | 32 |
| South Sudan | 20 | 12 | 32 |
| Bulgaria | 20 | 12 | 32 |
| New Zealand | 20 | 12 | 32 |
| Armenia | 20 | 12 | 32 |
| Albania | 20 | 12 | 32 |
| Latvia | 20 | 12 | 32 |
| North Macedonia | 20 | 12 | 32 |
| Japan | 15 | 16 | 21 |
| Kenya | 21 | 10 | 31 |
| Zambia | 20 | 11 | 31 |
| Cuba | 22 | 9 | 31 |
| Portugal | 22 | 9 | 31 |
| Serbia | 20 | 11 | 21 |
| Oman | 22 | 9 | 31 |
| Germany | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| Saudi Arabia | 21 | 9 | 30 |
| Australia | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| Chile | 15 | 15 | 30 |
| Burundi | 17 | 13 | 30 |
| Belgium | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| Ireland | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| Equatorial Guinea | 30 | – | 30 |
| Suriname | 12 | 18 | 30 |
| Pakistan | 14 | 18 | 30 |
| United Kingdom | 20 | 9 | 29 |
| Argentina | 10 | 19 | 29 |
| Venezuela | 15 | 14 | 29 |
| Greece | 20 | 9 | 29 |
| Botswana | 15 | 14 | 29 |
| Taiwan | 16.5 | 12 | 28.5 |
| Uganda | 15 | 13 | 28 |
| Morocco | 15 | 13 | 28 |
| Ghana | 15 | 13 | 28 |
| Nepal | 15 | 13 | 28 |
| Netherlands | 20 | 8 | 28 |
| Hong Kong | 10.5 | 17 | 27.5 |
| Indonesia | 12 | 15 | 27 |
| South Africa | 15 | 12 | 27 |
| Chad | 24 | 3 | 27 |
| Haiti | 11 | 16 | 27 |
| Switzerland | 20 | 7 | 27 |
| Belize | 14 | 13 | 27 |
| Saint Lucia | 14 | 13 | 27 |
| Turkey | 12 | 14.5 | 26.5 |
| Rwanda | 15 | 11 | 26 |
| Jordan | 14 | 12 | 26 |
| El Salvador | 15 | 11 | 26 |
| Republic of the Congo | 26 | – | 26 |
| Ethiopia | 12 | 13 | 25 |
| Guatemala | 15 | 10 | 25 |
| Uruguay | 20 | 5 | 25 |
| Qatar | 15 | 10 | 25 |
| Comoros | 25 | – | 25 |
| Myanmar | 10 | 14 | 24 |
| Canada | 15 | 9 | 24 |
| Central African Republic | 24 | – | 24 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 10 | 14 | 24 |
| Vietnam | 12 | 11 | 23 |
| Ecuador | 11 | 12 | 23 |
| Dominican Republic | 10 | 13 | 23 |
| Grenada | 10 | 13 | 23 |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 12 | 11 | 23 |
| Mali | 22 | – | 22 |
| Somalia | 13 | 9 | 22 |
| Togo | 22 | – | 22 |
| Libya | 22 | – | 22 |
| Paraguay | 10 | 12 | 22 |
| Mauritania | 15 | 7 | 22 |
| Lesotho | 12 | 10 | 22 |
| Guinea Bissau | 22 | – | 22 |
| Fiji | 10 | 12 | 22 |
| Maldives | 22 | – | 22 |
| Cape Verde | 22 | – | 22 |
| Dominica | 10 | 12 | 22 |
| Singapore | 10.5 | 11 | 21.5 |
| Bangladesh | 10 | 11 | 21 |
| Israel | 12 | 9 | 21 |
| Gambia | 21 | – | 21 |
| Montenegro | 21 | – | 21 |
| Samoa | 10 | 11 | 21 |
| Sudan | 20 | – | 20 |
| Iraq | 20 | – | 20 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 20 | – | 20 |
| Nicaragua | 11 | 9 | 20 |
| Moldova | 20 | – | 20 |
| Namibia | 20 | – | 20 |
| Bahamas | 10 | 10 | 20 |
| Tonga | 20 | – | 20 |
| Mexico | 12 | 7 | 19 |
| Thailand | 6 | 13 | 19 |
| Malaysia | 8 | 11 | 19 |
| Mozambique | 10 | 9 | 19 |
| Honduras | 8 | 11 | 19 |
| Papua New Guinea | 10 | 9 | 19 |
| Costa Rica | 10 | 9 | 19 |
| Jersey | 10 | 9 | 19 |
| Cameroon | 18 | – | 18 |
| Malawi | 18 | – | 18 |
| Sierra Leone | 18 | – | 18 |
| Brunei | 7 | 11 | 18 |
| Philippines | 5 | 12 | 17 |
| Tunisia | 10 | 6 | 16 |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 16 | – | 16 |
| Uzbekistan | 15 | – | 15 |
| Laos | 15 | – | 15 |
| Mongolia | 15 | – | 15 |
| Puerto Rico | 15 | – | 15 |
| Solomon Islands | 15 | – | 15 |
| Vanuatu | 15 | – | 15 |
| Barbados | 15 | – | 15 |
| Brazil | – | 13 | 13 |
| DR Congo | 12 | – | 12 |
| Eritrea | 12 | – | 12 |
| Timor Leste | 12 | – | 12 |
| Guyana | 12 | – | 12 |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | 12 | – | 12 |
| China | – | 11 | 11 |
| Bolivia | – | 11 | 11 |
| Liberia | – | 11 | 11 |
| Jamaica | 10 | – | 10 |
| San Marino | 10 | – | 10 |
| Bhutan | 9 | – | 9 |
| Nigeria | 5 | – | 5 |
(Source: worldpopulationreview.com)
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Most Common Perks Offered By Recruitment Managers in The US in 2024
(Reference: statista.com)
Paid holiday statistics reveal that PTO (paid time off for volunteering) is the fourth most common perks offered by recruitment managers in the US, resulting in 59%. In addition, flexible work schedules, paid parental leaves, and remote options are new trends most commonly offered.
Countries with The Least Paid Holidays
(Reference: forbes.com)
Paid holiday Statistics show that Micronesia is the top country with the fewest paid vacation days, with merely 9 days. Nauru and the US share equally at 10. Palau, Kiribati, Mexico, China, Lebanon, the Philippines, and Nigeria also offer less than 20 paid holidays a year.
Most Commonly Offered Paid Holidays in The US
(Reference: vacationtracker.io)
Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and Christmas are the three most offered holidays in the US, with 98%, 97%, and 97% for each. The same percentage is seen on Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.
How Many Paid Holidays Do The US Companies Offer?
(Reference: vacationtracker.io)
According to the Vacation Tracker, the average paid holiday offered is 7.6 days. In 2023, 21% of companies allowed 6 days of paid holidays, while 20% provided more than 11 paid holidays.
(Reference: bls.gov)
Paid holiday Statistics show that the financial activities, information, and manufacturing industries have the largest share of access to paid vacations, contributing 96% each. On the other hand, the leisure and hospitality industry has the lowest percentage, 44%.
(Reference: bls.gov)
Paid holiday Statistics reveal that private industry employees have more privileges in terms of paid vacation than state and local government employees. Moreover, considering the private sector, companies with 500+ workers have reported providing 91% access, while the lowest is seen in companies with a headcount of 1 to 49 workers.
Furthermore, the same structure can be seen with state and local government employees, however, with minor differences in percentages, with an employee headcount of 1 to 49 workers and more than 500 workers.
Paid Time Off (PTO) Industry Worldwide in 2024
The Paid Time Off (PTO) industry has grown significantly worldwide in 2024, with more companies offering PTO benefits to improve employee satisfaction, work-life balance, and productivity. The industry’s evolution is largely due to increased awareness of mental health, work-life balance, and employee retention. Companies globally have recognized that a strong PTO policy can lead to lower turnover rates and increased employee loyalty.
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Different regions around the world have varying levels of PTO availability, often influenced by cultural expectations, labor laws, and economic conditions:
- North America: Approximately 85% of companies in North America provide PTO benefits to their employees, with many offering an average of 15-20 days annually. In the United States, PTO is often combined with sick leave and personal time, while in Canada, companies tend to offer structured PTO plans with fixed vacation and sick leave.
- Europe: In Europe, around 90% of companies provide PTO, often surpassing other regions. European nations like France and Germany have robust labor laws mandating a minimum of 20-25 days of PTO each year, with some companies offering additional time off for special occasions. Countries within the European Union emphasize work-life balance, with companies investing heavily in employee well-being.
- Asia-Pacific: PTO benefits vary in the Asia-Pacific region, with roughly 70% of companies offering PTO policies. In countries like Japan and South Korea, employees are given an average of 10-15 days of PTO, although the culture in some areas discourages employees from taking full advantage. However, in Australia, PTO benefits align more closely with European standards, with most companies providing around 20 days of leave.
- Latin America: Approximately 75% of companies in Latin America offer PTO benefits, with policies often influenced by national laws. Countries like Brazil require a minimum of 30 days of PTO annually, while others, such as Mexico, provide fewer days. Some companies opt to add paid holidays to boost employee satisfaction.
- Middle East and Africa: PTO policies in the Middle East and Africa are less common, with around 60% of companies offering paid leave. PTO is generally influenced by cultural practices and regional labour laws, which vary significantly. In countries like the UAE, many companies align with European and American standards, while other nations in the region offer fewer PTO days.
The Future of the PTO Industry
The future of the PTO industry appears promising as more companies worldwide recognize the benefits of well-structured PTO policies. Trends suggest that companies are moving towards flexible PTO, where employees can take time off as needed rather than adhering to fixed schedules. There is also an increase in “unlimited PTO” policies, which allow employees to take as much time off as they need, within reason. This trend is expected to grow, especially in regions like North America and Europe.
Additionally, with the increase in remote work, companies are focusing on mental health and burnout prevention. Many are investing in PTO, which includes mental health days, extended parental leave, and PTO buy-back options. The global PTO industry is anticipated to grow further, with companies spending more to attract and retain talent. By 2025, global spending on PTO policies is projected to rise by 5-7%, reaching a market value of approximately USD 2 billion as more companies adopt comprehensive PTO benefits.
In conclusion, the Paid Time Off industry is set for continued expansion as companies globally recognize the importance of PTO for employee productivity and retention. As employee well-being gains more focus, investments in flexible and mental-health-oriented PTO policies are likely to shape the future of the industry.
New Trends in Paid Time Off (PTO) in 2024
In 2024, companies are adopting innovative Paid Time Off (PTO) policies to keep up with changing workforce demands. These new trends focus on flexibility, mental health support, and inclusivity, all of which aim to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
#1. Flexible PTO Policies
One of the most significant trends in 2024 is the shift toward flexible PTO policies. Instead of offering a fixed number of vacation or sick days, companies are providing employees with flexibility to take time off as they need, without strict limits. Known as “Unlimited PTO,” this approach is especially popular in North America, with around 30% of companies offering flexible or unlimited PTO plans. This trend helps employees manage work-life balance better and is often viewed as a valuable perk. Companies adopting flexible PTO have reported a 20% increase in employee retention rates and an improvement in overall job satisfaction.
#2. Mental Health and Wellness Days
With mental health awareness on the rise, many companies are introducing dedicated mental health or wellness days. In 2024, nearly 40% of global companies provide 1-2 additional days per quarter specifically for mental health. This trend aims to prevent burnout, especially in industries with high stress levels, such as tech and finance. On average, companies investing in wellness days spend USD 500-700 per employee annually, but they report higher employee productivity and lower absenteeism rates, resulting in a 10-15% boost in overall productivity.
#3. PTO for Life Events and Volunteer Work
Life event PTO, which includes days off for significant life moments like marriage, moving, or bereavement, is becoming more common. Around 25% of companies worldwide now provide PTO for life events, offering 3-5 extra days for employees to handle these personal needs. Additionally, 15% of companies offer “volunteer days,” allowing employees to take paid days off to participate in community service. Companies implementing these policies have seen a 15% increase in employee engagement, as employees appreciate the acknowledgment of their life beyond work.
#4. “PTO Buy-Back” Programs
PTO buy-back programs allow employees to “sell back” unused PTO days for extra pay, making PTO more flexible and rewarding. In 2024, around 10% of companies have introduced buy-back options, paying employees for unused PTO at the end of the year. This trend is especially attractive to younger employees who may not fully use their PTO but appreciate the added financial benefit. Companies report spending an average of USD 1,000 per employee annually on these buy-backs, helping to retain employees while boosting morale.
#5. Parental Leave Expansions and Family Care PTO
Many companies are expanding their parental leave and adding PTO options for family caregiving responsibilities. In 2024, 35% of companies worldwide offer at least 12 weeks of paid parental leave, with some going up to 6 months. An additional 20% of companies are also adding family care PTO, providing 5-10 days for employees to care for family members in need. Companies with family-centered PTO policies often see a 20% decrease in turnover rates among working parents.
#6. Seasonal PTO
Seasonal PTO allows employees to take additional time off during busy holiday seasons or in slower periods for the company. This trend is growing, with 18% of companies offering seasonal PTO, especially in the retail and hospitality industries. Seasonal PTO policies are designed to help employees relax and recharge, especially after peak work periods. These companies report a 10% increase in employee satisfaction during holiday seasons when this option is available.
Conclusion
In 2024, the Paid Time Off landscape is evolving with diverse trends that prioritize flexibility, wellness, and support for employees’ personal lives. These trends not only reflect a shift towards holistic employee care but also highlight companies’ commitment to creating a balanced and inclusive workplace.
As companies continue to invest in these new PTO trends, global spending on PTO benefits is projected to grow by 5-8% annually, reaching a market size of USD 2 billion by 2025.
Joseph D'Souza started Coolest Gadgets in 2005 to share his love for tech gadgets. It has since become a popular tech blog, famous for detailed gadget's reviews and companies statistics. Joseph is committed to providing clear, well-researched content, making tech easy to understand for everyone. Coolest Gadgets is a trusted source for tech news, loved by both tech fans and beginners.
