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Paid Holidays

Date Published: 3 March 2026

Written By: Michael van Niekerk

What are Paid Holidays?

Paid holidays are days when employees have time off from work but still receive their regular pay. These days are usually set by company policy or law to allow employees to rest, celebrate, or take breaks without losing income. In HR and hiring, paid holidays are important for employee satisfaction, retention, and compliance with labour laws. They fit into the employee lifecycle as part of leave management and benefits administration.

Purpose and Benefits of Paid Holidays

Paid holidays allow employees to rest and recharge, which supports their overall well-being. They promote a healthy work-life balance and improve employee satisfaction. These benefits can lead to higher morale and better retention within a company.

How Paid Holidays Affect Payroll

During paid holidays, employees receive their normal wages. Payroll systems must accurately account for these days to ensure correct payments. Misunderstandings about paid holidays can lead to payroll errors or disputes with employees.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Paid holidays can include annual leave, but also public or bank holidays that the employee gets paid for even if not working.