All days Sundays

How about having all days as Sundays for 3 weeks in a month? That’s what I had a feeling going to office in August.

Working in Italy, I thought it would be worth sharing the system of availing earned leave practiced here. August is considered as a month when employees are ‘expected’ to avail their earned leave. So, all employees proceed on leave for 2 to 3 weeks during this month.

What are the takeaways –
1. During the month of August, Italy does not work to its full capacity.
2. No holiday planning is required at the workplaces as it does not matter if the boss & subordinate take leave at the same time (barring essential services) – less work for HR Departments!
3. In the normal system of availing leave, when the boss proceeds on leave, the successor gets developed – firstly, by getting identified & secondly, gets hands on training.
4. Crowded tourist places (in India, though Italian system of availing leave does not exist, we experience ‘house full’ transport & tourist facilities as soon as the school/college holidays are announced!)
5. Availing leave is almost compulsory (not legally, but socially & morally) – hence increased family bonding
6. Peaceful holidays – almost a guarantee that you are not likely to receive a call from your boss!

So in August, the Sun shines the brightest & all days are Sundays in Italy!