Lomapäivät

Lomapäivät, literally "vacation days," is the Finnish term for paid time off granted to employees for rest and personal life. In Finland, lomapäivät function as annual leave and are distinct from sick leave or other forms of absence. The rights and rules surrounding lomapäivät are set by national law and, where relevant, by collective agreements or employer policies.

Legal framework: The basis for lomapäivät is the Annual Holidays Act. The act establishes the general principle that workers are entitled to paid holidays each holiday year, with eligibility and the exact number of days influenced by length of employment and by collective agreements. Employers are responsible for scheduling holidays and ensuring proper holiday pay.

Accrual and carryover: Employees typically earn lomapäivät based on working time, and the amount may increase with tenure or under specific collective agreements. Unused days can usually be carried over to a subsequent holiday year within limits, or paid out when employment ends, depending on policy and law. Some agreements also specify how holidays can be taken in blocks or as single days.

Practical administration: Taking lomapäivät usually involves submitting a request through internal HR channels, with management balancing staffing needs. Holidays are paid at the employee’s regular rate, and many employers observe a standard holiday season. In certain circumstances, a separate holiday allowance or bonus may apply under contract or collective agreement.