Taking a leave of absence from your job in Denmark without pay, as inquired by Orlov.
Ready for a Break? Working in Denmark and Taking Unpaid Leave
Ever daydreamed about quitting your job in Denmark to go on an adventure, write a book, or just chill out for a bit? But, if you can afford it, remember there are certain rules you'll want to consider before taking that extended break.
Unpaid Time Off in Denmark: The Scoop
Known as orlov or tjenestefrihed in Danish, unpaid leave is a temporary break from work, and a suspension of your employment contract, as requested by you. It's like taking a sabbatical in other countries but without the pay.
Although Denmark offers various forms of paid leaves like parental leave and leaves for grief or family assistance, there's no legal obligation for your employer to grant you unpaid leave. However, if you have a job contract or an industry collective bargaining agreement, they may give you the right to take leave.
Specific work situations may also qualify for unpaid leave, such as serving as a public servant abroad or accompanying your partner who's posted abroad for work. If none of these apply and you work in the public sector, you can still request unpaid leave to your employer. They have the right to refuse if it's against the company's interests.
Scribble It Down: The Unpaid Leave Agreement
Requests for unpaid leave must be made in writing, and your employer must provide a reason if they deny the request. In the private sector, individual written agreements are typically needed since contractual provisions for unpaid leave are rare.
The written agreement should include the start and end dates of the leave, the unpaid (or partially paid, if applicable) nature of the leave, and any special terms or conditions. It's a good idea to consult your trade union for advice on the agreement to ensure it protects your interests.
The New Gig: Coming Back to Work
When you return from unpaid leave, your employer is obligated to provide you with a role (though it doesn't have to be the same specific role you left). By agreeing to your leave, they're committing to maintaining your employment at an equivalent level.
During unpaid leave, you won't accrue annual leave or sick leave, although you can be terminated under the same conditions as if you were still working. Your leave agreement may contain a clause allowing you to return to paid work for the duration of your notice period in case of termination.
Insights:
- When arranging a written agreement for unpaid leave, there are key requirements and recommended inclusions to ensure clarity and mutual understanding between the employee and employer.
- A formal, written agreement that outlines the terms of the unpaid leave is advisable, and employees are encouraged to seek advice from their trade union when drafting or agreeing to such an agreement.
- The agreement should include the unpaid status of the leave, the duration with start and end dates, and conditions concerning the employee’s return to work.
- While on unpaid leave, employees typically don’t accrue annual leave, sick leave, or other benefits related to continuous service during the leave period.
Sources: IDA, Borger.dk
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For more on working in Denmark, check out:
- Why Danish parliament voted to increase citizenship fee unfairly
- Left-wing parties oppose government's unemployment reform in Denmark
- Proportion of foreign nationals staying long-term in Denmark
- Denmark's major unemployment system reform unveiled by the government
- If you're considering an unpaid leave in Denmark, remember that it's a temporary break from work, known as 'orlov' or 'tjenestefrihed' in Danish.
- While Denmark offers paid leaves for specific circumstances, unpaid leave is not a legal obligation for employers to grant, but it may be covered in your job contract or industry agreement.
- Serving as a public servant abroad or accompanying your partner posted overseas for work are examples of specific work situations that may qualify for unpaid leave.
- To take unpaid leave, you must make a written request to your employer, who should provide a reason if they deny the request. In the private sector, individual written agreements are typically needed due to limited contractual provisions for unpaid leave.
- A health-and-wellness sabbatical, or extended travel for personal growth, could be possible with careful planning and discussion with your employer. This might be especially relevant in the workplace-wellness sector, where such initiatives could align with company culture.
- Upon returning from unpaid leave, your employer is obligated to provide you with a role, though it doesn't have to be the same specific role you left. During unpaid leave, you won't accrue annual leave, sick leave, or other benefits related to continuous service.
