Puerto Rico Employment Guide

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and an unincorporated territory of the United States, with a population of approximately 3.2 million. Its economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and services. San Juan serves as the political and economic capital. Employment in Puerto Rico is governed by both local labor laws and U.S. federal regulations, covering contracts, wages, working hours, leave entitlements, social security, and termination procedures. Employers must comply with labor standards, anti-discrimination policies, and benefits regulations to ensure proper employment practices.

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Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Capital

San Juan

Official language

Spanish, English

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Puerto Rico

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Maternity Leave Policy

Employees are entitled to 8 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. A mandatory 4-week period must be taken prior to the child's birth. The remaining leave can be divided into two separate periods. During this time, employees receive 100% of their regular salary, with the employer covering the full cost.

Paternity Leave Entitlements

New fathers are eligible for 5 working days of unpaid leave to support their families during this important transition period.

Parental Leave Provisions

Employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave following maternity or paternity leave. Parents have flexibility to distribute this time between them according to their family needs.

Sick Leave Accumulation

The sick leave policy allows employees to accumulate up to 12 paid days based on length of service. For each month worked, employees earn 1 sick day, with full salary coverage provided by the employer.

International Best Practices

Companies like SailGlobal have successfully implemented similar policies while maintaining operational efficiency. Research shows that comprehensive leave policies actually improve employee retention and productivity in the long term.

Implementation Considerations

HR professionals should ensure clear documentation and communication of these policies. Proper planning for temporary coverage ensures business continuity while supporting employee wellbeing.

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