Greece Employment Guide

Maternity Leave Policies for International Employers

Understanding statutory leave requirements is crucial for global HR management. Employees who have worked continuously for at least 10 days while pregnant are entitled to 17 weeks of paid maternity leave, typically divided into two segments. Notably, employees who become parents through surrogacy arrangements are eligible for 9 weeks of leave.

The Social Insurance Institution (e-EFKA) provides compensation at 50% of the insured employee's regular wage, based on their contribution category. Additionally, a child benefit equivalent to 10% of this rate is payable for each child. In practice, employees receive at least two-thirds of their regular salary during this period.

Case Study: Implementing Maternity Policies

When SailGlobal expanded operations to Greece, we developed a comprehensive support system that complemented statutory benefits. By offering flexible return-to-work options and lactation facilities, we observed a 25% increase in employee retention following maternity leave.

Paternity Leave Provisions

Fathers are entitled to 14 days of fully paid paternity leave, with compensation covered entirely by the employer. This leave cannot be extended, though employees may negotiate additional paid time off with employer approval.

Parental Leave Framework

Following maternity or special maternity protection benefits, employees with at least one year of service qualify for reduced working hours parental leave lasting up to 30 months. Parents can mutually agree on how to allocate this leave, which must be used before the child's eighth birthday.

This leave is treated as paid time off, with compensation structured similarly to annual vacation. Unlike some European counterparts, this parental leave cannot be extended beyond the statutory period.

International Comparison: Parental Support

While Greece's 30-month parental leave seems generous compared to the 12-month standard in many countries, the reduced-hour structure presents unique implementation challenges. SailGlobal's experience shows that clear communication about scheduling expectations prevents operational disruptions.

Sick Leave Entitlements and Compensation

Sick leave allowances vary by employment duration: 13 days during the first year of service, increasing to 25 days thereafter. Payment structures differ significantly across periods:

Final payment amounts depend on multiple factors and are determined after social security calculations. Employers should maintain accurate records of the preceding 30 working days' wages to facilitate proper compensation.

Practical Implementation Guidance

Global companies like SailGlobal recommend establishing clear internal procedures for sick leave documentation. Implementing standardized medical certificate requirements and centralized tracking systems ensures compliance while minimizing administrative burden.