As the May holidays approach, Russians are gearing up for an extended break, with the potential to enjoy a long vacation from May 1 to May 11, 2025. However, to make the most of this time off, many are considering how to strategically plan their leave. According to labor law expert Olga Vladimirova from the Headhunter platform, employees can extend their May holidays by taking a short leave from May 5 to May 7, which would allow for a continuous holiday period. "You can extend the May holidays by taking leave from May 5 to May 7, but you might lose out financially," she warned.
May 2025 will feature 31 calendar days, which includes 13 days off and 18 working days. Vladimirova pointed out that May isn't the most advantageous month for vacation due to the limited number of working days, which can lead to lower earnings during this period. "Vacation payments are calculated based on the average daily earnings, which depend on the number of working days in the month. The more weekends and holidays there are, the lower the total compensation will be," she explained.
Taking a vacation from May 5 to May 11 may result in lower payments than expected. For those looking to maximize their time off while also ensuring a more substantial paycheck, Vladimirova suggested an alternative: taking vacation days from April 28 to April 30. This option would allow Russians to enjoy nine consecutive days of rest while potentially leading to higher vacation pay due to a greater number of working days factored into the calculation.
In addition to the extended holidays, the Ministry of Labor has reminded citizens of the holiday schedule for May 2025. The month will kick off with a four-day weekend, followed by another long weekend later in the month. Specifically, the first long weekend will occur from May 1 to May 4, coinciding with the Spring and Labor Day celebrations. The second long weekend will take place from May 8 to May 11 in honor of Victory Day.
The working week from May 5 to May 7 will be one of the shortest of the year, leading to two short working weeks overall in May. This arrangement is due to the transfer of holidays from earlier in the year, where the weekend from February 23 was moved to May 8, making it an official day off. The reduced workdays during this period may encourage many to plan vacations or take advantage of the time for leisure activities.
Notably, the working day on April 30 will also be shortened by one hour, further contributing to the festive atmosphere of the month. With the combination of holidays and weekends, this May offers a unique opportunity for Russians to relax or engage in activities that promote health and well-being.
For those who prefer to work during the holidays, there are also financial incentives. Workers who take on extra shifts during the holiday periods can earn significantly more, as the law mandates that such overtime is compensated at a minimum of double the regular rate. This applies across all payment systems, whether salaried, piecework, or hourly. Consequently, employees could earn additional pay equivalent to eight regular working days by working during both holiday periods.
Furthermore, employees have the option to exchange extra hours worked during holidays for additional time off later. For instance, if someone works two extra hours on a holiday, they might be entitled to an additional two hours of leave. This flexibility allows workers to balance their desire for leisure with the opportunity to earn more money.
In summary, the upcoming May holidays present a unique blend of opportunities for both relaxation and increased earnings. With careful planning, Russians can enjoy an extended holiday while still considering their financial needs. Whether taking advantage of the long weekends or opting to work during this festive season, the choices available cater to a variety of preferences and circumstances.
