Parental and Medical Leaves in Ecuador ​

Maternity Benefits ​

Companies are required to grant a paid maternity leave of 12 weeks to employees. Additional days (10) are allocated for multiple births or C-sections. Should the baby have a severe congenital disorder or disability, mothers can take an extra three months off. During maternity leave, the employer covers 25% of the salary, and social security provides the remaining 75%. Moms also get the option to have a six-hour workday for the first nine months after returning to work.

Paternity Provisions ​

Fathers are eligible for a ten-day paid leave for natural childbirth. In cases of C-sections or multiple births, an extra five days are added. For newborns with severe health issues (more than 75% degenerative disease), fathers can avail a 25-day leave.

Health-Related Time-Off ​

Employees can take up to two months of sick leave at half of their regular salary. If the sick leave lasts for fewer than three days, it must be confirmed by a medical center recognized by the social security system.

Work Timings and Additional Hours ​

Standard Working Schedule

Regular work hours consist of a 40-hour workweek, divided into 8-hour days. Shifts can start between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and end 8 to 10 hours later, depending on the job.

Overtime Compensation ​

Any work beyond 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week is considered overtime. For work done before midnight, an additional 50% charge is applied, whereas for work between midnight and 6 a.m., a 100% charge is levied. Overtime is capped at four hours per day and twelve hours per week. Work on weekends is paid at a 100% surcharge if those are designated rest days.