How Long Should Annual Leave Periods Be? Details According to the Labor Law

One of the most important rights of employees in business life is the right to annual leave. Annual leave is a very critical process for employees to have the opportunity to rest, renew themselves and relax psychologically. In this article, annual leave periods and details according to the labor laws in Turkey will be discussed.

1. What is Annual Leave?

Definition: Annual leave refers to the period during which an employee works at the workplace, provided by the employer, during which the employee can rest for a fee.

Purpose: To ensure that employees rest physically and mentally, increase work efficiency and help them establish a work-life balance.

2. Annual Leave Periods
2.1 Leave Periods According to Working Period
Those who have worked for 1 year or less: The annual leave period is 14 days.
From 1 year to 5 years (5 years included): The annual leave period is 14 days.
Those who have worked for more than 5 years: The annual leave period is 20 days.
2.2 Calculation of Annual Leave Periods
Employees’ annual leave periods are determined according to their total working hours. For example, if an employee has worked for 3 years, their annual leave is calculated as 14 days.

Example: If Ahmet has worked for a company for 6 years, their annual leave period will be 20 days. However, interruptions or exceptions may be taken into account in the calculation of these periods.

3. Leave Usage Conditions
Use Period: Annual leave can be used on the dates the employee wishes. However, the employer must accept the leave request in order to prevent disruption of work.
Leave Request: When an employee wants to use their annual leave, they must apply to their employer with a written request.
Carryover of Leave Period: Unused annual leaves cannot be carried over to the next year. Therefore, it is important for each employee to use their leaves on time.
4. Special Situations and Leave Periods
4.1 Annual Leave During Pregnancy and Maternity Leave
Pregnancy Period: Female employees can use leave for certain periods before and after giving birth. These leaves are evaluated separately from annual leave.

4.2 Annual Leave in Case of Work Accident or Sick Leave
Work Accident: The employee is not obliged to use his/her annual leave right when he/she has a work accident. Compensation and other rights may come into play during this process.

5. Records of Leave Rights
Record Keeping: The employer is obliged to record the employees’ annual leave periods and their use. This is important both to protect the rights of the employees and to comply with the legal regulations.
Inspection: Inspection of the regulations regarding leave periods increases transparency in the workplace management and prevents the violation of the rights of the employees.
6.

Annual leave is of vital importance in terms of meeting the rest and renewal needs of the employees. Annual leave periods determined according to the labor laws in Turkey secure the rights of the employees and help the employers to fulfill their legal obligations. It is important for the employees to use their leaves on time and completely in terms of their work efficiency and psychological health.