järjehoidjatesse

Järjehoidjatesse, also known as "childcare leave" or "parental leave" in English, refers to a system in Estonia where employees are entitled to take time off work to care for a newborn child or an adopted child under the age of one. This policy is regulated by the Estonian Employment Contracts Act and aims to support working parents in balancing their professional and family responsibilities.

The duration of järjehoidjatesse varies depending on the circumstances. Typically, a parent is entitled to 56 days of paid leave per child, with the possibility of extending this period under certain conditions. For example, parents of multiple children may qualify for additional days. The leave can be taken by either parent or shared between them, though it is not transferable to other family members. In cases of adoption, the leave period is also applicable, provided the child is under one year old.

During järjehoidjatesse, employees receive a portion of their salary, funded by the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund. The compensation rate is approximately 50% of the average wage, with a maximum cap to ensure affordability for the state. Employers are not required to cover the full salary, but they may choose to do so as part of their internal policies.

The system also includes provisions for extended leave, known as *perioodiline järjehoidjatesse*, which allows parents to take shorter, periodic leaves until the child reaches the age of three. This flexible arrangement helps parents gradually reintegrate into the workforce while continuing to care for their child. Additionally, parents can take unpaid leave beyond the initial 56 days, though this is not guaranteed and depends on the employer’s discretion.

Järjehoidjatesse is part of Estonia’s broader social welfare framework, designed to promote gender equality and support family life. The policy encourages shared parental responsibility and ensures that both mothers and fathers have the opportunity to participate in early childcare.