Hà Nam Province in China mandates officials to lead by example in annual leave

The provincial Party Committee of Hà Nam in China issued a notice requiring cadres and senior officials to set an example by fully using the paid annual leave entitled to all employees. The policy stipulates that workers with at least 12 months of continuous service receive 5, 10 or 15 days of leave depending on seniority, with priority given to pregnant workers, caregivers and those in remote locations. Unused leave must be compensated at three times the daily wage.

The directive also encourages early Friday departures and the combination of half‑day leave with weekends to create longer breaks. It is part of a broader push across multiple Chinese regions to promote the use of annual leave, reflected in the 2026 government work report and the 15th Five‑Year Plan. Employers who block leave or fail to pay the required compensation will face penalties and must reimburse the owed amounts.

Social media in China has highlighted the measure, noting that many workers still fear taking full leave due to workplace culture that equates long hours with dedication.