A language course in Spain or a yoga course to learn how to really relax – and that with full payment from the employer?
In almost all federal states, it is legally anchored that employees can take educational leave in order to continue their education. Nevertheless, very few use it, although there are advantages for both employees and employers.
Legal entitlement to educational leave
Educational leave enables employees to be released from work for further training purposes, whereby their wages will continue to be paid for this time. This special vacation is added to the regular annual vacation. It is interesting that the topics of further training do not necessarily have to be related to the current professional activity of the employee. The spectrum of recognized educational measures is wide and ranges from language courses to sporting activities to subject-specific software training. However, it is crucial for recognition as an educational leave that the respective course or the measure by the state of the employee is recognized as such. In some federal states, even trainees can claim educational leave. However, the specific prerequisites, including registration deadlines and the duration of educational leave, vary depending on the federal state. In general, the employer only has a right to reject the application for educational leave if there are compelling operational or official reasons.
Only a few take educational leave
Despite the legal anchoring of educational leave in almost all federal states in Germany, with the exception of Bavaria and Saxony, only a few employees use this right. Employees are usually entitled to five days of education per year, which adds up to ten days for a total of ten days. Although, according to the German Trade Union Confederation, 77 percent of the employees show interest in further training, only one to two percent of employees actually make use of their educational leave. During this time, the employer continues to pay the usual salary. However, the costs for the educational course itself and any additional expenses must usually be borne by the employees themselves.
Advantages also for employers
The use of educational leave by employees can also be advantageous for employers. In 2023, the DAK recorded a record rise in the sick leave of employees, with 13 percent more failures compared to the previous year. On average, 20 absent days were received per employee. The increase in mental illnesses was particularly striking, which made 7.4 percent compared to the previous year. In this context, educational leave can have a relieving effect and help promote the mental and physical health of employees. Ultimately, this can lead to workers re -return to everyday work, which not only benefits from individual well -being, but also the productivity and working atmosphere in the company as a whole.
Editor finance.net