What is a floating holiday?

A floating holiday is a paid day off that an employee can choose to take on a day that is meaningful to them, instead of being restricted to fixed company holidays. It offers flexibility and caters to diverse cultural and personal values.

  • Purpose: To allow employees to celebrate holidays or events that are personally significant but not officially recognized by the company. This can include religious holidays, cultural celebrations, or even personal milestones.

  • Eligibility: Typically offered as part of a company's benefits package, eligibility may vary based on employment status (e.g., full-time, part-time) or tenure.

  • Scheduling: Employees generally need to request their floating holiday in advance, following company policy. Approval is usually subject to departmental needs and staffing levels.

  • Difference from PTO: Unlike Paid Time Off (PTO), floating holidays are specifically designated for holidays or special occasions, while PTO can be used for any reason (vacation, sick leave, etc.).

  • Benefits: Offering floating holidays can boost employee morale, improve work-life balance, and foster a more inclusive and respectful workplace environment.