Federal Holidays

Federal holidays are offered to employees to promote cultural and historical significance. Not all federal holidays are mandatory, but it is granted to maintain a work life balance at workplace. Most government offices, schools, and private corporations remain closed on federal holidays.

What Are Federal Holidays?

Let’s put down the debate of what is federal holidays? Federal holiday meaning reads that it is a paid holiday observed by federal agencies annually when non-essential federal offices remain closed, and workers are paid. Furthermore, schools, banks, and post offices close during this time.

Several private companies also offer employees paid or unpaid time off on federal holidays, although they're not obligated to. Healthcare or hospitality industries may not be able to close down (like a holiday) but may provide premium pay as an alternative benefit.

2024 Federal Holiday Calendar Dates

Several federal holidays are provided to employees by most companies. Here are a few of them:

January
January 26, Friday: Republic Day
March
March 25, Monday: Holi
March 29, Friday: Good Friday
April
April 11, Thursday: Id-ul-Fitr
April 17, Wednesday: Ram Navami
April 21, Sunday: Mahavir Jayanti
May
May 23, Thursday: Buddha Purnima
June
June 17, Monday: Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)
July
July 17, Wednesday: Muharram
August
August 15, Thursday: Independence Day
August 26, Monday: Janmashtami
September
September 16, Monday: Milad-un-Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad)
October
October 2, Wednesday: Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday
October 12, Saturday: Dussehra
October 31, Thursday: Diwali
November
November 15, Friday: Guru Nanak’s Birthday
December
December 25, Wednesday: Christmas Day

How Federal Holidays Affect Employers?

Employers should recognize federal holidays as part of their yearly business schedule. Here are the significant effects of Federal holidays on employees

• Operating hours: During federal holidays, most businesses close for the day or operate with a reduced staff. Strategic planning can smoothly transition these dates.
• Motivating Employees: These holidays can positively affect employees' morale. Employees should be granted a day off on these days to respect their cultural traditions and personal time.

Impact of federal holidays on employees

Federal holidays can represent more than just a day off from work for employees. Days like these can provide the following:

• Adding Relaxation: Federal holidays also give employees an opportunity to enjoy additional time for relaxation and to recharge themselves mentally and physically for the work on the next day.
• Engaging in fun activities: Federal Holidays offer employees peace time to engage in cultural traditions, volunteer, and participate in activities within the community. This will help them get back to work with an added boost and be more focused.
• Culture Appreciation: A time for people to recognize and recognize the importance of these days.

Holiday rights and specific employer policies should be known by employees, including:

• Eligibility: Be aware of the holiday benefits and compensation you may be entitled to based on your employment status.
• Personal space: Using federal holidays during extended weekends to benefit family and personal relationships.
• Maintaining Work-Life Balance: Career satisfaction and health requires taking breaks to enhance work-life balance.

Federal holidays in India symbolize national identity and the value of rest for hardworking culture, so they play an essential role in corporate and social life.