Uruguay Employment Guide

Maternity Leave Policy

Expectant employees are entitled to 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. A minimum of 42 days must be taken prior to the child's birth, though this can be adjusted to begin two weeks before delivery if supported by medical documentation and provided there has no pregnancy-related absence. Compensation is calculated at 100% of the employee's average earnings over the preceding six months, with social security covering the full payment.

Paternity Leave Entitlements

Employees receive 13 days of fully paid paternity leave, calculated at 100% of their average salary from the past six months. The first three days are employer-funded, while days 4 through 13 are covered by the National Health Insurance (BPS). Leave must commence on the actual date of the child's birth.

Parental Leave Provisions

Within the first six months following childbirth, employees may reduce their working hours to 50% while maintaining full salary coverage through social security. Both parents are eligible for this arrangement, which cannot be extended beyond the six-month period.

Sick Leave Regulations

Employees benefit from indefinite paid sick leave following a 3-day unpaid qualifying period. From the fourth day onward, social security provides 70% of the employee's regular wages.

International Comparison: How SailGlobal's Policies Align

Compared to European standards where parental leave often extends beyond six months, this policy offers substantial short-term support. SailGlobal's implementation framework ensures seamless integration with local social security systems, as demonstrated in their successful rollout across Latin American subsidiaries.

Practical Implementation Considerations

HR professionals should note the mandatory documentation requirements for leave adjustments. For instance, SailGlobal's centralized portal streamlines medical certificate verification, reducing administrative burdens by 40% according to their 2023 internal audit.