Annual Leave & Other Leave Policies in China

Annual Leave Entitlement in China

Employees in China are entitled to paid annual leave based on their length of service:

• 1-10 years of service: 5 days of annual leave. This initial period allows new employees to rest and rejuvenate, balancing their work and personal life.
• 10-20 years of service: 10 days of annual leave. Mid-career employees benefit from additional leave, reflecting their longer commitment to the company.
• Over 20 years of service: 15 days of annual leave. Long-term employees are rewarded with the maximum leave, acknowledging their extended service and contribution to the organization.

Regulations and Compliance

Employers must ensure that employees take their entitled annual leave. If the leave is not taken within the year, it may be carried forward to the next year, but specific company policies may apply. Employers should have clear policies in place to manage annual leave accrual and usage and get employees’ acknowledgement on the policies. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to legal disputes and employee dissatisfaction.

Additional Leave Types

In addition to annual leave, employees may be entitled to various other types of leave:

• Public Holidays: Typically 11 days per year. These national holidays are mandatory and provide employees with additional rest days.
• Sick Leave: Varies based on the length of service and local regulations. Employers should provide clear guidelines on how sick leave is managed and documented.
• Maternity Leave: Generally 98-180 days, with additional leave for multiple births. Employers must support female employees during their maternity period, ensuring their job security and well-being.
• Marriage Leave: Usually 10-30 days. This leave allows employees to celebrate their marriage without affecting their annual leave entitlement.
• Bereavement Leave: Typically 1-3 days. This leave supports employees during times of personal loss, allowing them to attend to family matters.

Importance of Annual Leave

Providing adequate annual leave is important for several reasons:

• Employee Well-being: Helps reduce stress and burnout. Regular breaks from work improve mental health and job satisfaction.
• Productivity: Ensures employees return to work refreshed and motivated, leading to increased productivity and creativity.
• Legal Compliance: Avoids potential legal issues and fines by adhering to labour laws. Compliance with leave regulations also enhances the company’s reputation as a fair employer.

Employers should encourage employees to utilize their annual leave to maintain a healthy work-life balance and improve overall job satisfaction.

2025 General Public Holidays in China

Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of China employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.

Updated on: 8^th August 2024