The work calendar in Colombia is an issue of great importance for both employers and employees. Understanding it not only ensures compliance with the law, but also allows for proper planning of work and personal activities.
Holidays in Colombia
Colombia is known for having a high number of holidays throughout the year. These days can be classified into national holidays and regional holidays.
National Holidays
National holidays are those that are celebrated throughout the country. Some of the most important ones include:
New Year (January 1): Celebration of the beginning of the new year.
Three Kings Day (January 6): Commemoration of the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus.
Saint Joseph's Day (March 19): Celebration in honor of Saint Joseph.
Holy Week (Holy Thursday and Holy Friday): Religious holiday that commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Labor Day (May 1): Celebration of the global labor movement.
Independence Day (July 20): Commemoration of Colombia's independence from Spain.
Battle of Boyacá (August 7): Celebration of the decisive victory in the independence campaign.
Columbus Day (October 12): Celebration of the meeting of two worlds, Europe and America.
All Saints' Day (November 1): Day to remember all the saints.
Cartagena Independence Day (November 11): Commemoration of the independence of Cartagena.
Christmas (December 25): Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Regional Holidays
In addition to national holidays, some regions of Colombia celebrate specific holidays, which may vary depending on local culture and traditions.
Working Day in Colombia
The working day in Colombia is regulated by law and establishes the maximum number of hours that an employee can work per day and per week.
to. Ordinary Day
The ordinary working day in Colombia is 48 hours a week, distributed over 6 days, which is equivalent to 8 hours a day. However, the law also allows flexible working hours as long as they do not exceed 48 hours per week.
b. Extra hours
Hours worked beyond the regular working day are considered overtime and must be paid with a surcharge. The surcharge is 25% of the value of the ordinary hour for daytime overtime and 75% for nighttime overtime.
c. Night shift
The night shift in Colombia begins at 9:00 pm and ends at 6:00 am. The hours worked in this period have a surcharge of 35% on the value of the ordinary hour.
Permissions and licences
The work calendar also includes a series of permits and licenses to which employees are entitled, whether for personal, family or health reasons.
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Mothers are entitled to maternity leave of 18 weeks, during which they receive their full salary. Fathers have the right to paternity leave of 8 working days.
Bereavement Leave
In the event of the death of a close family member, employees have the right to bereavement leave of 5 working days.
Marriage License
Employees who get married are entitled to a 5-business-day marriage leave.
Study Permit
Some employees may be entitled to paid leave to undertake studies or training related to their work.
Vacation
The right to vacation is guaranteed by Colombian labor law. Employees are entitled to 15 working days of vacation for each year worked. These vacations must be paid and can be enjoyed in a single period or in several, according to agreement between the employer and the employee.
Compensatory
Holidays that coincide with a weekly day of rest are not lost, but are compensated with an additional day of rest. This compensation allows employees to fully enjoy the holidays.
Regulation and Compliance
The Ministry of Labor is the entity in charge of regulating and supervising compliance with labor standards in Colombia. Companies must ensure they comply with all legal provisions to avoid penalties and ensure a fair and equitable work environment.
Impact of the Work Calendar on the Economy
The work calendar has a significant impact on the country's economy. Holidays can influence the productivity of companies, especially in sectors such as commerce and manufacturing. On the other hand, they also boost domestic tourism and commerce, since many people take advantage of the holidays to travel and shop.
Adaptation of Companies to the Work Calendar
Companies in Colombia must adapt to the work calendar to plan their activities and maximize their productivity. This includes organizing work shifts, project scheduling, and human resource management.
to. Shift Planning
Shift planning is crucial for businesses that operate extended hours or 24/7. This ensures that staff are always available without exceeding permitted working hours.
b. Project Scheduling
Project scheduling should take into account holidays and vacations to avoid delays and ensure the availability of key employees.
c. Human resources management
Human resources management involves ensuring that all employees know their rights and obligations regarding the work schedule, and that company policies are aligned with current legislation.
Labor legislation in Colombia is subject to changes and updates. It is important to be aware of any modifications that may affect the work calendar. In recent years, there have been discussions about reducing working hours and extending maternity and paternity leave.
Understanding the work calendar in Colombia is essential for the proper functioning of companies and the well-being of employees. Knowing holidays, work hours, permits and licenses, and other related aspects allows for better planning and compliance with the law. Both employers and employees must be informed and up-to-date on these regulations to ensure a fair and efficient work environment.