In many parts of Europe, it’s common for workers to take off weeks at a time, especially during the summer. Envious Americans say it’s time for the U.S. to follow suit.
Some 66% of U.S. workers say companies should adopt extended vacation policies, like a month off in August, in their workplaces, according to a Morning Consult survey of 1,047 U.S. adults.
In the Netherlands, people get 4 weeks mandatory paid leave (set by law), which is valid until july next year and usually 1 week ‘optional’ which is valid longer. (when working full time, 40h/week, when working 36 or 38h there will be more days leave) Schools close for 6 weeks during the summer, when it’s hottest. (august) Also there is a 3 week period in each region for building companies to be closed. This period falls within the summer holiday of the schools.
Most workers with children (and those working at building companies) take their leave during the summer, when it’s usually quiet anyway. Those without the need to go on holiday during those periods, usually stay at work and catch up with the work that was left behind by those that are on holiday. (and enjoy their holiday when it’s cheaper, outside the high season)
Employers are required to allow personnel to take at least 3 weeks off, when requested, as personnel tend to get overworked when they can’t wind down, which is not beneficial to the company as well costs the country money. (loads) On the other hand, personnel can be forced to take time off when they are overworked and have paid leave left. Mandatory leave usually expires after 18 months with no financial compensation (unless the company didn’t allow leave, which is against the rules anyway), optional leave expires after 5 years and gets paid out.
It takes planning, but apart from schools, the building industry and very small businesses, nothing closes. This is well, as nobody would want to be on leave all together, the black saturdays we have are terrible enough as they are. (started as a French phrase for the busiest saturdays on the road due to holiday traffic and spread across Europe)