Armenia Gives Working Parents Paid Time Off During the Workday to Care for Their Children

Photo illustration generated using artificial intelligence (AI)

Working parents in Armenia can now take paid time away from their jobs each day to care for their children under a new labor policy that took effect on July 10.

The measure introduces a daily "parental hour," allowing employees to temporarily leave work to attend to childcare, participate in their children's education, or handle other responsibilities related to their children's well-being, according to Armenia's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

The amount of paid time depends on a family's circumstances. Parents raising one or two children under the age of 12 are entitled to up to 30 minutes per workday. Those with three or more children under 12 may take up to one hour each day. Parents of children under 18 with severe or profound functional disabilities are also eligible for up to one paid hour daily, regardless of how many children they have.

To receive the benefit, employees must submit a written request to their employer. Under the new rules, employers are not permitted to reject those requests.

Workers who use the parental hour will continue receiving their regular salary. Employees paid based on output or piecework will receive their average wage during the time away from work, although performance bonuses are not included.

Armenian officials say the policy is designed to help parents stay actively involved in their children's care and education while remaining fully employed, reflecting a broader effort to improve work-life balance for families.

—

Support independent reporting from the region by subscribing to The Armenian Report. Our team is funded solely by readers like you.