Public holidays on Workation

When engaged in temporary work assignments in foreign jurisdictions, individuals may find themselves navigating diverse sets of holidays in the respective countries. The determination of permissible workdays during such periods is crucial for both legal compliance and fostering a harmonious work environment.

From a legal standpoint, employees are entitled exclusively to the weekends and public holidays of their home country throughout the duration of their workation. The application of the home country's labor laws encompasses parameters such as working hours, workdays, public holidays, and other relevant provisions.

However, it is prudent to adopt the adage "when in Rome, do as the Romans do." It is recommended that employees refrain from working on the host country's national holidays or weekends, aligning their practices with local customs. Notably, some countries observe weekends on different days, such as Egypt, where Friday and Saturday constitute the customary weekend, diverging from the Sunday convention.

Working on a Friday in Egypt, for instance, may attract undue attention. Additionally, certain host countries, such as France, prohibit work on specific national holidays. Consequently, we advocate for a judicious approach—on such designated days, employees are encouraged to take time off, allowing for cultural immersion and meaningful engagement within the host community. This approach not only ensures compliance with local norms but also contributes to a positive and respectful representation of the organization in the host country.

More information you can find in this article: The 183-Rule & Work-from-Anywhere