In addition to six weeks of vacation annually, many Germans are entitled to a benefit that few take part in known as Bildungsurlaub—five paid working days off per year to undergo training. (click below to read more)
Workers could take a Chinese course in Beijing or enroll in a computer course in a seaside town. Training doesn't have to be directly connected to their job, as long as it is approved by the state.
Approved programs for Bildungsurlaub—literally, "training vacation"—include visits to historical sites such as the Nazi concentration camp at Buchenwald or tours of underground bunkers in Berlin. Social volunteering courses, like training to become a life coach, are other options. It is hoped that employers, employees and society will profit from the knowledge and experience gained on training leave.
Courses have to meet for at least six hours a day and the rules on eligibility vary from state to state. Four of Germany's 16 states don't allow Bildungsurlaub at all. Employers can also refuse to grant time off. Courses, which employees pay for out of pocket, can run a couple of hundred euros a week, although they are tax-deductible; financial aid is occasionally available.
Bernhard Eul-Gombert, who runs a training services company and website Bildungsurlaub.de, says fewer than 1% of German workers actually participate in these programs, for fear of giving employers a bad impression.
"Managers might remind employees in informal chats not to forget their next salary discussion, and urge them toward avoiding [the Bildungsurlaub]," Mr. Eul-Gombert says.
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