puhkusperioode

Puhkusperiood is a time interval designated for rest, used in Estonian contexts to describe a span when a person is not working or studying. The term commonly refers to paid annual leave for employees and to school holidays for students.

In the labor context, a puhkusperiood is typically planned with the employer and may be taken as annual leave. The duration and pay depend on the employment contract, collective agreements, and national law. Leave can be taken in one continuous block or divided into several shorter blocks, subject to employer approval and operational needs.

During a puhkusperiood, employees are usually not required to perform work duties, and compensation is provided according to the applicable leave policy. Some periods may be unpaid if the time falls outside entitlement, again depending on contract and policy. Upon returning, employees resume their regular duties, potentially with updated responsibilities.

In education, puhkusperiood refers to school breaks between terms, such as summer and winter holidays, when teaching sessions pause and students are off school. These breaks also shape planning for staff leave and school operations.

The concept supports rest, well-being, and work–life balance, while influencing scheduling, service delivery, and family plans. Etymologically, puhkusperiood combines puhkus (rest) with periood (period), and the term is widely used in everyday Estonian to denote both formal leave and holiday breaks across settings.