How the Holidays Are Different From Our Regular Periods
Holidays are the best days set aside for rest and relaxation. A holiday is usually a day set apart by law or custom, where normal daily activities, particularly work or business, including school are either suspended or completely reduced. In general, holidays are meant to let people celebrate or remember an occasion or tradition of historical or cultural importance. Holidays are also a time for socializing and recreation. Different countries also have different popular holidays.
Holidays are normally scheduled months in advance depending upon the location of residence and the employer. There are certain days that are generally set aside as holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas. Federal law requires regular public holidays to be observed. Normally, people go on vacation from June to December every year except in the states of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts and in the territories of Puerto Rico and American Samoa.
For federal holidays and other public holidays, employees are eligible for holiday pay. Holiday pay is scheduled for a particular period of time and works out to be about 8 percent of an employee’s regular rate of pay for a four-week period. The entire amount has to be received by the employee in one full week. Some employers also give accrued vacation pay during the holiday period. This differs from state to state.
Federal holidays are generally higher when compared to state holidays. Overtime pay is also higher on holidays. For instance, an employee working a normal nine-to-five shift on Friday may be entitled to double the usual rate of overtime pay on the same day. This applies to employees scheduled to work on Saturday and Sunday.
When comparing pay during federal holidays with that of regular working weeks, it is important to look at how much more holiday pay is due when comparing annual leaves, bonuses and stock options. Holidays are generally business centered and therefore many employees prefer not to opt for them when able. This is because they have to take time off and some also do not want to bother with filing their paperwork for federal holidays so close to the date. Some employees have religious beliefs about going on sick leave and choose to forego giving thanksgiving day because they believe that God will remember them. Regardless of a person’s religious belief, most employers allow them to give thanksgiving.
Although most employers offer paid holidays, some choose to give employees gift cards instead. There are several types of gift cards to choose from. Each card has its own value and can be used towards lunch, dinner or even rent. Holidays come as a special treat for both people and their boss. It is necessary to understand the rules and regulations associated with federal holidays before choosing to take them.