[johanbrook]

The U.S. is very behind many European countries in the work-life balance department. It's kinda surprising that America – with its liberal policies for private companies – is so backwards when it comes to caring about their employees.

The points in the article could apply to policies/norms in Sweden as well. Here, we get at least 4 weeks of paid vacation per year, as well as some insurances and a very generous parental leave (1 year for each parent).

[sleavey]

"Liberal policies for private companies" really means that companies have less regulation and red tape, and therefore have a less liberated workforce. One of the points the article makes is that the Swiss government have legal mandates on workplace benefits such as time off and maternity leave, which is the opposite of what some refer to as liberal, at least when talking about businesses as opposed to individuals.

[ThomPete]

In the US yes not in europe. Liberal means something different in europe

[robert_foss]

> The points in the article could apply to policies/norms in Sweden as well. Here, we get at least 4 weeks of paid vacation per year

No, mandatory EU minimums enforce at least 5 weeks of vacation.

[hedwall]

Yes, but you can carry over one week for up to five years. (I know people that does this and takes 10 weeks vacation in one stretch at year 5).

[bosie]

do you happen to know how 'vacation' is defined? would it include national holidays?

[hedwall]

It does not.

[bosie]

Fair. Seems like it isn't 5 but 4 weeks that is mandatory in the EU.

[robert_foss]

It's 5 + national holidays.

[bosie]

I am not doubting you though when i tried to look it up I found the EU requirement to be 20 days + national holidays (e.g. ireland, italy, Czech Republic,...). How would this be allowed if the EU requires 25 days?