Time-off
Easily track and manage employee time-off requests while keeping attendance records accurate. Simplify PTO approvals and ensure seamless workforce planning.
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Global PTO Policies
Explore Paid Time Off by Country
Paid time off (PTO) policies differ significantly across the globe. This database provides an up-to-date guide to PTO entitlements, leave regulations, and public holiday rules in every country.
PTO BY COUNTRY
PTO Policies Around the Globe
Your comprehensive guide to paid time off policies worldwide, categorized by country.
PTO in the US
PTO in the US varies by employer, as there are no federal laws mandating paid leave. Most companies offer PTO as a benefit, combining vacation, sick leave, and personal days into one policy. The average PTO for full-time employees ranges from 10 to 20 days per year, depending on tenure. Unlike in many other countries, US workers are not legally entitled to PTO, making employer policies crucial.
PTO in Germany
PTO in Germany is well-regulated, ensuring employees receive at least 20 paid vacation days per year. Many companies, however, go beyond the legal minimum, offering 25 to 30 days of annual leave. German labor laws also mandate paid public holidays, varying by state, plus additional leave for illness and parental care. Employees benefit from strong labor protections, with PTO often included in collective agreements.
PTO in France
France offers one of the most generous PTO policies in Europe, with employees entitled to a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation annually. This does not include the 11 national public holidays or additional leave benefits negotiated through labor agreements. Many companies also offer extra vacation days for seniors or those working overtime.
time tracking software
Track PTO Effectively
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Time Cards
Track work hours effortlessly with digital time cards for precise clock-ins and clock-outs. Ensure accurate payroll and compliance with automated time tracking.
Manage Employee Time Cards -
Timesheets
Keep employee timesheets organized and error-free with an easy-to-use tracking system. Gain full visibility into work hours, projects, and productivity.
Streamline Timesheet Workflow
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about our service and plans.
What is a PTO policy?
A PTO (Paid Time Off) policy defines how employees can accrue, request, and use paid leave for vacations, personal time, or illness. It varies by company and country.
Why do companies need formal PTO policies?
PTO policies ensure fairness, prevent burnout, and help employers stay compliant with labor laws. They also reduce confusion around leave approvals and accrual limits.
How does TrackingTime support PTO tracking?
TrackingTime lets teams define custom leave policies, automate accruals, and manage time off requests through a shared calendar with manager approval workflows.
Can I set different PTO policies by location or department?
Yes. You can create multiple PTO policies tailored to local regulations, offices, or contract types, making it easy to manage global or hybrid teams with varying entitlements.
Is PTO the same as vacation time?
Not exactly. PTO is a broader term that can include vacation, personal leave, and sick days—depending on how the company structures its policy.
Can I automate PTO accruals with TrackingTime?
Yes. TrackingTime allows you to configure accrual rules based on hours worked, months of service, or fixed quotas—automatically updating each employee’s balance.
How are PTO requests approved in TrackingTime?
Employees submit time off requests from their dashboard, which are then sent to managers for approval. All approved leave appears in a centralized team calendar.
Can I track different types of leave, not just PTO?
Absolutely. You can create custom leave types—such as parental leave, unpaid time off, or sick days—and assign them to relevant PTO policies or employee groups.
Does TrackingTime send notifications for upcoming PTO?
Yes. Managers and team members receive email or in-app notifications when PTO is requested, approved, or approaching—helping you stay informed and avoid coverage issues.
Is PTO visible on shared calendars?
Yes. Approved leave appears in a shared team calendar, allowing managers and teammates to view upcoming absences and plan workloads accordingly.
Can I configure PTO policies to comply with local labor laws?
Yes. TrackingTime allows you to set accrual caps, carryover limits, waiting periods, and other rules to align with labor requirements in different regions or countries.
Does TrackingTime help with compliance audits?
Yes. The platform maintains a full history of time off requests, approvals, balances, and changes—useful for internal audits and external regulatory inspections.
Can I prevent employees from exceeding their PTO balance?
Yes. You can block negative balances or allow limited overdrafts based on policy. This ensures teams stay within their assigned entitlements and helps control unauthorized leave.
Are PTO records secure and GDPR-compliant?
Yes. TrackingTime adheres to GDPR standards and uses secure cloud infrastructure to protect employee data, including PTO history, balances, and personal information.
Is PTO reporting exportable for payroll and HR systems?
Yes. You can export PTO usage and balances to Excel or integrate with payroll platforms, making it easy to sync leave records across your HR and accounting systems.