Time off

We offer our team unlimited time off, with a minimum requirement of 25 days of annual leave per year, including public holidays. This policy ensures team members can take time off when they need it, without feeling guilty about being away from work.

This approach reflects our trust in team members to manage their time responsibly - taking enough time to recharge while maintaining their commitments to the team. While there's no strict upper limit, we generally find that taking more than 40 days of annual leave (excluding public holidays) can create strain on our small team.

As a small company, we prefer team members to split their annual leave into manageable chunks rather than taking extended periods off at once. While it's possible to take three or more weeks off consecutively, please consider the impact on the team and discuss this well in advance.

Managing Time Off

We focus on results rather than time spent at work. You don't need formal approval for time off, but we do expect you to:

  • Add your time off to the company shared Calendar
  • Communicate your planned absence to the team
  • Send a reminder to everyone on your last working day before leave
  • Coordinate with colleagues to ensure critical work and support coverage continues in your absence

When planning time off, please avoid:

  • Leaving the team without essential coverage for critical functions
  • Overlapping completely with colleagues who share your key responsibilities
  • Taking leave when you know there are important deadlines or events

Flexible Working

We operate on a trust basis - we don't count hours or track days worked. You're responsible for managing your own time effectively. Whether you need to visit the doctor, do the school run, or finish early to meet friends and family - that's completely fine and you don't need formal permission. Simply:

  • Add any planned absences to your calendar
  • Join our optional daily team call at 9:30 CET if you can
  • Respond to messages when you're able
  • Ensure any urgent responsibilities are covered if needed

We trust you to balance your personal needs with your work commitments. While we're flexible about when work happens, please be considerate about communicating your availability to colleagues who might need to collaborate with you.

Time Off When You Need It

Sick Leave

If you're unwell, take the time you need to recover. You'll be paid for sick leave as specified in your contract. For normal illness:

  • Simply let the team know in the Avalonians Telegram channel
  • Add your sick days to the company calendar
  • Take the time you need to get better - don't try to predict how long you'll need
  • Return when you're well enough to work effectively

For extended periods of illness (5+ days) or if you have a medical condition that requires regular time off, let the team know so we can plan appropriate support and accommodations.

Bereavement Leave

We offer compassionate leave for bereavements without defining or questioning the nature of your relationship to the person who has passed away. Simply let us know how much time you need.

For pregnancy or child loss (affecting either parent), please take at least four weeks of paid leave. This is a minimum - take the time you need to process and recover, both physically and emotionally. If you need extended time for physical or mental health reasons afterward, we'll support that too.

Life Happens

Whether it's childcare emergencies, civic duties, or other unexpected situations - life comes first. We trust you to:

  • Communicate with the team
  • Handle your responsibilities appropriately
  • Arrange your work around these situations as needed

For civic duties like jury service, we'll follow local legal requirements. Just keep the team informed so we can plan accordingly.

Remember: We operate on trust. We don't require doctor's notes or formal documentation - we assume you're being honest about your needs and will support you accordingly.