Company Holidays: Adapting Time Off Policies for International Teams
Company holidays are essential—they give employees a chance to recharge, reduce stress, and enjoy personal time. But when your workforce spans multiple countries, managing holidays becomes more complex. Each country has unique public holidays, cultural traditions, and legal requirements, so it’s important to stay compliant while keeping employees engaged.
This guide explores how to adapt your holiday policies to respect cultural differences, manage global schedules, and comply with local laws.
The Importance of Company Holidays
Holidays are more than days off—they play a vital role in boosting employee engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction. Time away from work can increase creativity and focus, helping employees return with renewed energy.
Your holiday policy also reflects company culture and values. Offering paid holidays that embrace diverse backgrounds shows employees you value what matters to them. Flexible policies that include cultural and religious events can strengthen inclusivity. According to Yello, 64% of job seekers consider diversity and inclusion when deciding on a job offer.
What Are Federal Holidays?
In the US, federal holidays are recognized by the government, with most federal employees receiving paid time off. While private employers are not required to follow these dates, many still do. This differs from many other countries, where public holidays are mandatory for employers to observe.
Adapting Company Holidays for International Teams
Designing an inclusive holiday policy requires balancing local customs with business needs. Here’s how to adapt for a global workforce:
1. Understand Local Holiday Norms
Research public holidays and cultural events in each country where you operate. Consider when they occur, their impact on workflows, and whether they align with peak business periods.
2. Offer Flexible Holiday Options
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work for global teams. Floating holidays allow employees to substitute standard company holidays with those that matter to them, improving inclusivity and morale.
3. Stay Compliant with Local Laws
Labor laws vary by region. Ensure your policy meets local requirements for paid time off. Some areas mandate closures on specific dates, while others leave it to the employer’s discretion.
4. Coordinate Across Time Zones
- Plan ahead for overlapping holidays and adjust meeting schedules accordingly.
- Use shared calendars and HR software to track holidays and manage team availability.
- Communicate early about holiday schedules to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Two Common Approaches to International Holiday Policies
- Adopt a single set of holidays for all employees, regardless of location (e.g., all staff take US holidays like the Fourth of July).
- Allow employees to follow their local holiday calendar (e.g., French employees take Bastille Day off while US colleagues work as usual).
The first approach is simpler to manage, while the second is more inclusive and aligns better with local customs. Some governments also require additional pay for employees working on public holidays.
How Many Holidays Should a Company Offer?
Industry Standards
In the US, many companies follow the traditional set of federal holidays—such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, and Christmas—plus extras like Thanksgiving. The number of paid holidays varies by industry, with some offering as few as eight and others up to eleven.
Best Practices for Setting Holiday Numbers
- Benchmark with competitors: Research similar businesses to stay competitive in attracting talent.
- Combine tradition with flexibility: Offer standard holidays plus floating days to appeal to diverse employees.
- Prioritize inclusivity: Consider adding non-traditional or cultural holidays to make your policy more welcoming.
Managing Holidays for International Teams
Adapting your holiday policy for a global workforce shows respect for cultural diversity and builds a stronger team culture. Reviewing and updating policies to reflect different traditions can boost satisfaction and position your company as inclusive and forward-thinking.
HR software can simplify this process. Oriento offers an all-in-one platform with advanced time-off management tools and the ability to create a global careers page to attract international talent.
Register for free in seconds and start managing company holidays effortlessly.