Greece has expanded workplace protections for new parents and caregivers through reforms introduced under Law 4808/2021, widely known as the “Hatzidakis labor law.”

The legislation, which incorporates a European Union directive on work-life balance, introduces mandatory paid paternity leave and broader flexible working rights aimed at supporting families and improving working conditions.

Paid Paternity Leave for Fathers

Under the law, fathers are entitled to 14 working days of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child. Employers are required to grant the leave regardless of the employee’s seniority or family status.

The leave can be taken either all at once after the birth or split into two periods. Fathers may take two days before the expected delivery date, with the remaining 12 days used within 30 days after the child is born.

The same rights apply in cases of adoption or foster care involving children up to eight years old, with leave beginning once the child joins the family.

If a newborn requires hospitalization during the first month after birth, the leave may be postponed until after the child’s recovery following agreement with the employer.

Public Sector Employees Included

The provisions also apply to public sector workers, including permanent and contract employees.

Public employees are entitled to the same 14-day paid leave period following childbirth, adoption or foster placement. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted to the relevant personnel department, either physically or electronically.

Employees are expected to notify supervisors in advance of the expected birth date to help ensure smooth operation of services.

Broader Rights for Parents and Caregivers

The law also introduces several additional measures designed to improve work-life balance.

These include four months of parental leave for each parent, with financial support provided for the first two months at the level of the minimum wage.

The legislation also establishes unpaid caregiver leave for serious medical reasons involving relatives or members of the same household, as well as paid leave for emergency family situations.

Parents of children up to 12 years old and caregivers who have worked for the same employer for at least six months can also request flexible working arrangements, including remote work, flexible schedules or part-time employment.

Additional provisions cover leave for women undergoing medically assisted reproduction procedures.

Protection Against Dismissal

The reforms include stronger protections against dismissal for workers who request or use parental or caregiver rights provided under the law.

According to the legislation, employees cannot be penalized or dismissed for making use of the new leave and flexible work provisions, reinforcing safeguards for family life and workplace equality.