Best practices for employers and employees to manage long weekend leave in 2025

With Singapore's four public holiday long weekends coming up, here are some best practices to consider to strike a balance between employers' and employees' needs.

With four public holiday long weekends in 2025, employees may look to extend their time off, presenting potential challenges for employers managing overlapping leave requests.

To help balance the needs of both parties while ensuring smooth business operations, the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) has put out a statement for employers on the following best practices: 

1. Implement an effective leave management policy
   Establish clear guidelines for different leave types and a well-defined procedure for requesting and approving leave. This allows for a fair approach to managing leave requests. To minimise conflicts, employers can use a leave roster system to prevent overlapping applications.
2. Foster open communication
   Urge employees and managers to communicate early about leave plans. Employers should highlight critical business periods when leave may be restricted, while employees should seek approval before finalising travel plans. This particularly helps sectors with time-sensitive projects or service standards.
3. Encourage early leave applications
   Employees should plan and submit extended leave requests well in advance. Early submissions allow employers to manage staffing needs effectively and avoid understaffing during peak periods, especially around popular public holidays. In sectors like F&B, retail, and tourism, where increased footfall is common during festivities, securing sufficient staffing is crucial.
4. Adapt to a tight labour market
   In Singapore’s tight labour market, it’s essential that employers and employees work together to ensure a fair balance of time off and operational needs. Building a culture of trust and cooperation helps both sides navigate leave periods while ensuring business continuity and employee satisfaction.

By incorporating these practices, employers can navigate the challenges of leave management while supporting employee wellbeing, ensuring that operations run smoothly even during peak holiday seasons.

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