Romanian Employees Need 10 Vacation Days for Full Recovery, Study Finds

Romanian employees feel they need an average of ten consecutive vacation days, including weekends, to fully recharge their energy. This perceived need is notably shorter than the European average of 13 days, according to the international HR & Payroll Pulse 2026 study conducted by SD Worx across 16 European countries, surveying 16,500 employees.

The study reveals that over half of Romanian employees (52%) consider a vacation period of 7 to 14 days to be the minimum required for complete recovery. A significant minority, 23%, believe fewer than seven days are sufficient, while 15% require more than two weeks. One in ten employees could not estimate the necessary duration.

Currently, Romanian employees receive an average of 24 paid vacation days per year. Ideally, reflecting the realistic demands of their jobs, they would prefer approximately 31 days, more than six days beyond their current entitlement. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (64%) believe an ideal annual leave should total at least 30 days.

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The results show that recovery does not depend solely on the total number of vacation days, but also on the employees' ability to use them in a way that meets their needs. A sufficiently long period for disconnection, along with breaks distributed throughout the year, can support well-being and concentration. For employers, the challenge is to offer flexibility while maintaining business continuity and a balanced workload in teams.

Ciprian Chiorean, General Manager of SD Worx Romania, commented on the findings, stating that recovery depends not only on the total number of vacation days but also on employees' ability to use them in ways that meet their needs. He emphasized that a sufficiently long period for disconnection, combined with breaks distributed throughout the year, can support well-being and concentration. For employers, the challenge lies in offering flexibility while maintaining operational continuity and balanced workloads within teams.

Furthermore, the study indicates that approximately 80% of Romanian employees must request leave in advance, with an average application notice of 29 days, compared to the European average of 39 days. The remaining 20% report not needing to request leave beforehand. Chiorean noted that advance planning helps organizations anticipate busy periods and distribute responsibilities, but the process must remain flexible for employees needing recovery time. Team dialogue and clear rules are essential for achieving this balance.

Only 57% of Romanian employees reported taking all their vacation days in the past year, with nearly 28% unable to do so. Managers play a role, as 45% of respondents feel encouraged by their managers to take leave regularly, while 26% do not perceive such support. The data suggests that simply having vacation days does not guarantee their use; the way they are managed and encouraged is crucial.

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Advance planning allows organizations to anticipate busy periods and distribute responsibilities more effectively. At the same time, the process must remain flexible enough for employees to take leave when they truly need recovery. Team dialogue and clear rules are essential for finding this balance.