Henan promotes paid leave policy to encourage flexible vacations

(ECNS) -- Henan Province has introduced measures to encourage employees to take paid annual leave, aiming to make paid leave easier to take while boosting tourism and consumption.

A notice jointly issued by six provincial departments requires government officials in leadership positions to set an example in using their leave and calls for employees to take their full annual leave entitlement.

Employers unable to arrange leave due to work needs must pay compensation equal to 300% of daily wages for unused days. 

The policy applies to all employees with more than 12 months of continuous service, giving priority to those with special needs, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, caregivers of elderly relatives, parents of minors and migrant workers living away from home.

The notice also encourages combining annual leave with weekends, public holidays and school vacations to create longer breaks of three to seven days. Employers may introduce flexible summer schedules, such as allowing staff to leave early on Friday afternoons, to facilitate short trips.

（By Helen Mo, intern Liu Shuangjing）