Professional Training Leave – Rights and Obligations for Employees and Employers

Professional training leave is an important benefit for employees, allowing them to improve their qualifications and develop professional skills. The law sets a clear framework for granting this type of leave, outlining the rights and obligations of both employees and employers.

What Is Professional Training Leave?

According to current legislation, employees may request professional training leave, which can be either paid or unpaid, depending on the circumstances and mutual agreement.

Unpaid Professional Training Leave

Employees who attend professional training on their own initiative may request unpaid leave for the duration of the training. The request must be submitted to the employer at least one month before the start date and must specify: the starting date, the duration, the field of training, and the institution organizing the course.

The employer can refuse such a request only if the employee’s absence would seriously affect the company’s operations. The leave can also be taken in segments, for example, to attend graduation or promotion exams, especially in higher education.

Paid Professional Training Leave

If the employer does not provide professional training at their own expense, the employee is entitled to up to 10 working days (or 80 hours) of paid training leave. The payment for this leave is made according to legal provisions regarding allowances.

The exact period of paid leave is established by mutual agreement between the employer and the employee, and the request must be submitted at least one month in advance, under the same conditions as unpaid leave.

Other Important Aspects

The duration of professional training leave does not reduce the employee’s annual paid vacation entitlement and is considered effective work time for all employee rights, except for salary.

Recommendation: If you are planning to attend professional training, inform your employer well in advance and prepare a detailed request. In case of disputes or refusals, seek specialized legal advice to ensure your rights are protected.