Country-aware leave policy starting points you can localise. Every policy below is intentionally short — the longer the policy, the less people read.

Annual leave

Statutory minimum + a clear accrual rule (per month or per year). Define carry-over, encashment, and notice expectations.

Sick leave

Self-certify for short absences (1–3 days). Medical certificate required beyond that. Define sick-pay rules and any cap on consecutive paid days.

Parental leave

Maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy. Match or exceed local law. Document return-to-work flexibility (phased return, reduced hours).

Bereavement leave

3–5 days for immediate family. 1–2 days for extended family. Manager discretion to extend.

Unpaid leave

Available in exceptional circumstances after annual leave is exhausted. Requires manager + HR approval.

Public holidays

List the holidays your office observes per region. Define how holidays falling on weekends are handled.

Replace ambiguity with examples. "Reasonable notice" is not a policy. "At least 2 working days for less than a week off, 2 weeks for longer absences" is.