The concept involves the accumulation of paid time off that an employee earns over a specific period, usually based on hours worked or employment duration. For instance, an employee might earn a certain number of vacation hours for every pay period or every month of service. This earned time off is then available for the employee to use for leisure, personal appointments, or other purposes, subject to employer policies and procedures. The amount accumulated can be influenced by factors such as seniority, job classification, and company policy.
This practice provides a significant benefit to employees, allowing for scheduled time away from work without loss of income, contributing to improved morale and work-life balance. Historically, this type of benefit has evolved from less common practices to become a standard offering in many employment sectors, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of employee well-being and the positive impact of rest and recuperation on productivity.