One of the basic benefits that are included with many types of work is paid leave. Essentially, paid leave is a situation in which the employee is away from the workplace with permission of the employer, but continues to receive salary or wages during that period of time. Paid leave takes on several different forms. Here are some examples of paid leave, and how they normally are calculated.

Perhaps the most common form of paid leave is related to the observance of holidays. Just about every employer provides the typical daily wages of salary on holidays that the business is closed. The exact amount is based on the usual number of hours worked and the rate of pay that is attached to the position. This type of paid leave does not require the employee to apply for the time off; instead, it is simply granted by the employer.

Sick leave is another form of paid leave that is often extended to employees. Generally, there is a formula in place that allows employees to earn sick time. For example, some companies grant a day of sick leave for a specified number of days worked. Over time, this allows the employee to build up a bank of sick days that can be called upon in the case of a severe illness, such as an operation. With this type of paid leave, the employee usually applies in advance, if he or she is about to undergo a pre-planned surgical procedure, or makes the application on the back end in the case of an unanticipated health problem.

Vacation time is also a form of paid leave that is earned based on the amount of time the employee has been with the company. In some cases, vacation time is granted as a block on an annual basis. In other cases, employees accrue vacation days as they work through the year, building up a bank of days that can be used at some point. With vacation days, the employee applies for permission to take the days, and the action is subject to the approval of the employer.

Bereavement time is usually granted in the case of the death of a close relative. Most companies define what type of familial relation is required in order to claim bereavement time. Generally, this type of paid leave is applied for when the employee learns of the death, although the actual paperwork may be delayed until the employee returns to work after the bereavement period.

Various types of family leave are also common examples of paid leave. For new mothers and fathers, many companies grant family leave for the new parents to spend with the newborn. While maternity leave has been around for some time, more and more businesses are also granting paternity leave, allowing the father time to bond with his child and to help take care of the mother during her recovery from the pregnancy. As with some forms of paid leave, family leave is often applied for in advance.