Hey Flinkers,
At Flink, we work hard to get 1% better every day. But just as important as the work is the time we take to rest, recharge, and come back inspired. Your well-being is our top priority, and we strongly encourage you to use all of your vacation days to unplug, explore, and enjoy life.
This guide provides everything you need to know about your vacation entitlement, how to book time off, and answers to common questions.
Your Annual Vacation Entitlement
Your vacation entitlement is designed to grow with you at Flink.
🇩🇪 Flink Germany (HQ)
Base Entitlement: You start with 26 days of vacation per year.
20 statutory days (gesetzlicher Mindesturlaub), based on a standard 5-day work week.
6 additional non-statutory days.
Anniversary Bonus: We celebrate your commitment! After each full year with us, you earn 1 additional vacation day on your work anniversary, up to a maximum of 30 days.
🇳🇱 Flink Netherlands (HQ)
Base Entitlement: Full-time (40 hours/week) employees receive 26 days of vacation per year.
Anniversary Bonus: You also earn 1 additional vacation day on your anniversary each year, up to a maximum of 30 days.
🗓️ Booking Your Vacation: 3 Simple Steps
Employees are encouraged to take time off and plan vacations in a way that supports both personal well-being and team continuity.
Discuss with your manager:
Always discuss your vacation plans with your manager before submitting a request, to ensure coverage and alignment with team priorities.
Advance notice: Vacation requests should be submitted at least two (2) weeks in advance. For longer trips (more than 2 consecutive weeks), give at least 1 month's notice so your team can plan accordingly.
Longer vacations: You may take up to three (3) consecutive weeks of vacation at a time as standard practice.
2. Request in SAP SuccessFactors: Once aligned, submit your official time-off request through SAP.
Log in to SAP > Go to "Time Management" > Select "Time Off" and submit your request.
3. Get Approval: Your manager will review and approve your request in the system
💡 Calculation Examples in Practice (Germany)
Vacation math can be tricky, especially when joining or leaving mid-year. Here are a few examples to make it clear.
New Starters (Germany)
Your entitlement for your first year depends on when you join and the German 6-month waiting period (Wartezeit).
Scenario 1: Starting in the second half of the year (after June 30th)
Rule: You will not complete the 6-month waiting period in the same calendar year, so your vacation is calculated strictly on a pro-rata basis.
Example: You start on August 1st with a 26-day entitlement.
Calculation: (26 days / 12) * 5 months (Aug-Dec) = 10.83, rounded up to 11 days of vacation for your first year.
Scenario 2: Starting in the first half of the year (before July 1st)
Rule: Your entitlement is earned in two stages. You accrue vacation pro-rata during your first six months, and then you "unlock" your full annual entitlement once you complete the waiting period.
Example: You start on March 1st with a 26-day annual entitlement.
Stage 1: During the 6-Month Waiting Period (March 1st - August 31st)
You earn 1/12th of your annual vacation for each full month worked. After your first full month, you will have accrued (26 / 12) * 1 ≈ 2 days that you can request.
Stage 2: After Completing the 6-Month Waiting Period (from September 1st onwards)
Once you complete your six months, your entitlement for the year is upgraded to the full annual amount. You are now entitled to your full 26 days (minus any days already taken).
Leavers (Germany)
The rule in Germany depends on when you leave in the year.
Scenario 1: Leaving in the first half of the year (on or before June 30th)
Rule: Your vacation entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis (1/12th for each full month you have worked in the calendar year).
Example: Your last day is April 30th, and your full annual entitlement is 28 days.
Calculation: (28 days / 12 months) * 4 months (Jan-Apr) = 9.33 days, which is rounded up to 9.5 days.
Action: You must use these 9.5 days (plus any carryover from the previous year) before your last working day.
Scenario 2: Leaving in the second half of the year (on or after July 1st)
Rule: If you have been with the company for at least six months (i.e., you have passed the initial Wartezeit), you are legally entitled to your full annual vacation for that year.
Example: Your last day is September 30th, and your full annual entitlement is 28 days.
Your Entitlement: You are entitled to the full 28 days.
Action: Any unused portion of these 28 days (plus any carryover) must be taken before your final working day.
Part-Time Employees (Germany)
Your vacation entitlement is adjusted to ensure you receive the same number of weeks off as a full-time employee.
The Formula: (Full-time vacation entitlement / 5) * Your weekly workdays = Your annual vacation days.
Example: You work 3 days a week with a full-time entitlement of 26 days.
Calculation: (26 / 5) * 3 = 15.6, rounded up to 16 days per year.
Carryover Rules: Don't Lose Your Days!
🇩🇪 Flink Germany
You can carry over up to 5 unused vacation days.
Deadline: These days must be used by March 31st of the next year.
🇳🇱 Flink Netherlands
Statutory Days (20 days): Must be used by July 1st of the next year.
Non-Statutory Days (your remaining 6+ days): Valid for 5 years.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What if I get sick during my vacation?
A: Inform your manager and the People Team immediately and provide a sick note. Those days will be credited back to your vacation balance.Q: Can my vacation days be paid out?
A: No, vacation is for resting. Pay-outs are only made as legally required upon termination if days cannot be taken.Q: How does parental leave affect my vacation (in Germany)?
A: For each full month of parental leave, your vacation entitlement may be reduced by 1/12th.Q: Can I take vacation during my probation period?
A: Yes! As explained in the "New Starters" examples, you accrue vacation on a pro-rata basis and are welcome to request those days off.
Public Holidays
Our offices are closed on official public holidays. For the most up-to-date calendars, please refer to the official government sources:
Official Holidays Netherlands for Flink:
New Year's Day
Easter (Sunday/Monday)
King's Day
Ascension Day
Whit Sunday/Monday
Christmas (Dec 25/26)
If you have any further questions, please speak with your manager first or raise a ticket with the Central People Team.