أكد المختص في الموارد البشرية هشام السليماني لـ«عكاظ»، أن فقرة إجازة مرافق المريض تُعامل حسب المادة 147 من اللائحة التنفيذية لنظام الموارد البشرية السعودي، إذ أقرت المادة بأن للموظف استحقاق إجازة المرافق من رصيد إجازاته السنوية للمرافقة حتى الدرجة الثالثة من القرابة، ويشترط أن يكون هو المُعيل له شرعاً، مع وجود تقرير طبي يفيد بضرورة وجود مرافق مع المريض. وعند وجود التسبيب القانوني الصحيح لها وفق ما ذُكر فيجب على المنشأة الموافقة عليها دون تأخير أو تردد.
وحول سبب اقتطاع أيام المرافقة من الرصيد السنوي للموظف الحكومي رغم أنها تمنح لظرف إنساني، قال السليماني: «غياب الموظفين لا شك يؤثر على واجبه مهما كانت مهمة أو عمل ذلك الموظف. وكلنا نعمل لقاء أجر مالي نتقاضاه، فمن الواجب علينا تأدية الأمانة كما هي، فالنظام كفل للموظف عدداً معيناً من الأيام سنوياً؛ وهي تعادل شهراً كاملاً؛ أي أن الموظف يعمل لمدة أحد عشر شهراً ويتقاضى راتب اثني عشر، وهناك ضرورات حتمية تطرأ على الإنسان لابد له من أن يتنازل عن جزء من رفاهيته، فهو يتنازل هنا بكل رحابة صدر لكي يعالج أحد أفراد أسرته ومرض المعالين ليس أولويات المنشآت، ولكن بما أنه أولوية للموظف، فالمشرّع أعطى له الحق فيها شريطة أن يكون من رصيده الشخصي، فالمصلحة العامة ليست مقرونة بمصلحة شخص بعينه».
السليماني: المادة 147 تكفل الحق في الإجازة بضوابط محددة
وعن سبب عدم معاملة إجازة المرافق معاملة (الإجازة المرضية) كونها تتعلق بظرف صحي، أوضح السليماني، أنه يجب عدم الخلط بين مرض الموظف نفسه وبين مرض أحد أفراد أسرته، فلكلٍ منهما آلية قانونية والنظام كفل للموظف إجازة سنوية مدفوعة الأجر ومقدارها شهر، وكفل ثلاثة أشهر إضافية لمرضه بأجر كامل، وفي نظام إجازة المرافقة أعطى تلك الأشهر الأربعة كاملة للموظف بالنظر لحساسية القربى، ولكن هل المنشأة تستطيع الاستغناء عن الموظف لأكثر من ثلث السنة مع دفع استحقاقاته المالية كاملة؟
وبشأن وجود نية لمراجعة التنظيم لتُفصل الإجازة عن الرصيد السنوي وتُحتسب كإجازة خاصة أو استثنائية، قال السليماني: «إن التشريع في الأنظمة السعودية راعى جميع الجوانب؛ سواء الشخصية أو العملية بما يتناسب مع الأفراد أو المنشآت، فلا يجوز اقتطاع شيء زائد لطرف على حساب الطرف الآخر، والقانون يكفل العدالة لطرفيّ المعادلة (الفرد والمنشأة) بحد سواء، بل مع مراعاة للفرد بشكل أكبر».
وحول الموظفين الذين يرون أن خصم إجازة المرافق من الرصيد السنوي فيه إجحاف، قال السليماني: إن العمل هو ما يوفر لك ولمُعاليك العيش والرفاهية، واختتم السليماني حديثه باستعراض النص القانوني لنظام إجازة المرافق واشتراطاته، «فمن يُسمح لهم بإجازة مرافقة المريض الأم إذا رغبت في مرافقة طفلها الذي لا يتجاوز عمره اثني عشر عاماً، وأن يكون المريض؛ زوجة الموظف أو زوج الموظفة أو أحد أقاربه إلى الدرجة الثالثة، ويجوز للوزير المختص الإعفاء من هذا الشرط في الحالات التي يضطر فيها الموظف إلى مرافقة أحد أقربائه من غير تلك الدرجات، ولمن يعالج في الداخل يشترط أن يقرر مدير المستشفى وأحد أطبائه ضرورة وجود مرافق للمريض والمدد المقررة للعلاج».
ولمن يعالج في الخارج يشترط أن تقرر الهيئة الطبية العامة حاجة المريض للمرافق، ويكون الموظف محرماً شرعياً لمريضة تعالج في الخارج، أو في بلد غير التي تقيم بها في الداخل.
وتُحسب إجازة المرافقة من رصيد الإجازات العادية إن وجد، فإذا لم يوجد رصيد أو زادت المدة اللازمة للمرافقة على ما يستحقه من الإجازات العادية، فيُسمح له بالغياب ويُعامل عن المدة الزائدة وفقاً للإجازات المرضية.
لا نصّ مستقلاً لإجازة المرافق
أكد القانوني خالد البابطين لـ«عكاظ»، أن إجازة المرافق في النظام السعودي تُحتسب ضمن رصيد الإجازات الاعتيادية للموظف، إذ لا يوجد نص نظامي مستقل يمنحها كإجازة منفصلة، مشيراً إلى أن لائحة الإجازات الصادرة عن وزارة الموارد البشرية هي الأساس النظامي المعمول به حالياً.
وأوضح أن النظام يمنح الموظف 36 يوماً سنوياً كإجازة اعتيادية يمكن استخدامها لأي غرض، بما في ذلك المرافقة، إلا أن المرافقة لا تُعامل كإجازة مرضية؛ لكونها لا تتعلق بمرض الموظف نفسه، وإنما بمرافقته لقريب، وهو ما يجعلها خارج نطاق الإجازات المرضية النظامية.
وبيّن أن «هناك دعوات متزايدة لمراجعة التنظيم الحالي وفصل إجازة المرافق عن الإجازة الاعتيادية، أسوةً ببعض الأنظمة الخليجية والدولية التي خصصت إجازة مستقلة للمرافقة في الحالات الإنسانية أو الطارئة»، لافتاً إلى أن أي تعديل محتمل مستقبلاً قد يُربط بتقارير طبية معتمدة وبموافقة الجهات المختصة لضمان التوازن بين مصلحة العمل وحقوق الموظفين.
وأضاف البابطين بأنه من منظور العدالة الوظيفية، يمكن تفهّم الاعتراضات على خصم إجازة المرافق من الرصيد السنوي؛ لأنها في العادة تُمنح في ظروف نفسية ومالية صعبة للموظف، إلا أن الوضع النظامي الحالي يجعل الجهات الإدارية في موقع قانوني أقوى، ما لم يتم تعديل اللوائح لإقرار هذا النوع من الإجازات كحق مستقل.
الاستفادة
من الإجازة المرضية
المختص في الموارد الدكتور خالد رشاد خياط أكد لـ«عكاظ» أن النظام لا يتضمن نصاً يمنح إجازة مستقلة تحت مسمى «إجازة مرافقة».
وبيّن أن نظام العمل يتيح للموظف الاستفادة من الإجازة المرضية بحد أقصى 120 يوماً في السنة التعاقدية، موزعة على النحو التالي: 30 يوماً بأجر كامل، و60 يوماً بثلاثة أرباع الأجر، و30 يوماً دون أجر.
وأشار إلى أن «إجازة المرافقة في القطاع الخاص تُعالج غالباً وفق ما يقرره صاحب العمل أو ضمن الإجازة السنوية المقررة، نظراً لعدم وجود نص قانوني مستقل ينظمها».
العدالة في بيئة العمل
أكدت المستشارة الأسرية والاجتماعية دعاء زهران لـ«عكاظ» أهمية مراعاة الجانب الإنساني والنفسي للموظفين عند التعامل مع إجازات مرافقة المريض، مشددةً على ضرورة إيجاد توازن يحفظ حقوق الموظف المتميز دون الإضرار بسير العمل أو مكافأة الموظف كثير الأعذار قليل الإنجاز.
وأوضحت زهران أن «احتساب هذه الإجازات يجب أن يستند إلى أداء الموظف والتزامه وإنتاجيته»، مبينةً أنّ مسؤولية إدارة هذه الحالات تقع على عاتق المدير الذي يتوجب عليه التعامل معها بمرونة وعدالة، وفقاً لظروف العمل واحتياجاته.
وأضافت: إن الإجازة السنوية حق مكتسب للموظف غالباً ما يقضيها للراحة أو السفر، بينما مرافقة المريض تُعد ظرفاً طارئاً يتطلب تعاملاً مختلفاً، مع إمكانية تعويض المهمات عن بُعد أو خلال أوقات إضافية لتفادي أي خلل في سير العمل.
وأشارت زهران إلى أن الموظف المتميز في أدائه يستحق دعماً خاصاً في حالات الطوارئ، في حين تُحتسب الإجازات للموظف كثير الغياب من رصيده السنوي، مؤكدة أن الأمانة الوظيفية والالتزام هما المعياران الرئيسيان في منح المرونة أو التشديد.
واستشهدت زهران بما تواجهه الموظفات من ظروف استثنائية؛ كالحمل والولادة ومرافقة الأبناء، مؤكدة أهمية التفريق بين من ينجزن مهماتهن رغم هذه الظروف، وبين من يؤثر غيابهن على سير العمل، بما يحقق العدالة للجميع ويحافظ على مصلحة المؤسسة والموظفين في آن واحد.
كثرة المتغيرات وسرعة التطور
وقالت الأخصائية الاجتماعية وخبيرة جودة الحياة سما المزيني لـ«عكاظ»: في بيئة العمل المعاصرة التي تتسم بكثرة المتغيرات وسرعة التطور، أصبح من الضروري إيجاد توازن عادل بين حقوق الموظف وضمان جودة حياته من جهة، وبين استمرارية المنشأة واستقرارها التشغيلي والمالي من جهة أخرى، فكل طرف له حقوق وواجبات ينبغي إدراكها واحترامها.
فالموظف قد يمر بظروف إنسانية أو صحية طارئة، وهو أمر مُقدّر في مجتمعنا الإسلامي القائم على التكافل، لكن في المقابل تتحمل المنشأة مسؤوليات كبيرة في توفير بيئة عمل وأجر منتظم والتزامات تشغيلية ومالية، ما يجعل إدارة الغياب الطويل أو الطارئ مسألة تحتاج إلى مرونة ووعي متبادل.
وأشارت المزيني إلى أن «القوانين السعودية راعت هذا التوازن ووضعت ضوابط تحقق العدالة»، مؤكدةً أهمية نشر ثقافة الوعي المالي والمرونة في إدارة الأزمات لدى الأفراد، «حين يدرك الموظف حجم التحديات التشغيلية والمالية للمنشأة، تتعزز ثقافة التقدير المتبادل وتقل النظرة العاطفية الضيقة».
وختمت المزيني حديثها بالتأكيد على أن جودة الحياة الحقيقية تبدأ من وعي داخلي يوازن بين الحقوق والواجبات، مضيفة: «لسنا أمام قسوة من جهة العمل، بل أمام دعوة لفهم أعمق للواقع، والبحث عن حلول عملية تحفظ كرامة الإنسان واستقرار المؤسسات في آن واحد».
مراجعة تنظيم الإجازة
الإعلامية منال صالح تقدّر لـ«عكاظ» أنّ إجازة المرافقة تمثّل حاجة إنسانية وضرورة اجتماعية للموظفين الذين يمرون بظروف صحية طارئة تخص أسرهم، لكن خصمها من الرصيد السنوي يُفقد الموظف حقه في الحصول على إجازة للراحة والترفيه بعد عام كامل من العمل. وأضافت: «ندرك أهمية استمرارية المنشآت وحقوقها التشغيلية، لكننا نأمل أن تتم مراجعة التنظيم الحالي لإيجاد صيغة أكثر مرونة تحقق العدالة وتراعي هذه الحالات الإنسانية».
أصوات الموظفين
في المقابل، عبّر عدد من الموظفين عن آرائهم في هذا التنظيم، وقالت نورة الحربي: إن خصم إجازة المرافق من الرصيد السنوي يُفقد الموظف حقه في الترفيه عن نفسه بعد عام كامل من العمل، فالمرافقة ظرف إنساني يجب أن يُعامل باستقلالية.
أما سامي عبده فقال: «إن هذا الإجراء يشكل عبئاً إضافياً على الأسر التي تضطر لمرافقة أطفالها أو والديها للعلاج»، داعياً إلى استحداث إجازة مستقلة للمرافقة تراعي الحالات الطارئة.
أما الموظف فهد العتيبي، فأوضح أن التنظيم الحالي يحقق التوازن بين مصلحة العمل وحق الموظف، لكنه شدد على ضرورة زيادة التوعية بالنظام لتفادي سوء الفهم الذي يثير الجدل بين الموظفين.
خبراء موارد ومختصون يكشفون لـ«عكاظ» الضوابط والمعايير
إجازة «مرافق المريض»
19 سبتمبر 2025 - 01:18
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آخر تحديث 19 سبتمبر 2025 - 01:18
تابع قناة عكاظ على الواتساب
أمل السعيد (الرياض) amal222424@
Human resources specialist Hisham Al-Suleimani confirmed to "Okaz" that the patient companion leave is treated according to Article 147 of the executive regulations of the Saudi human resources system. The article states that an employee is entitled to companion leave from their annual leave balance for accompanying relatives up to the third degree of kinship, provided that they are the legal guardian, along with a medical report indicating the necessity of having a companion with the patient. When there is a valid legal justification for it as mentioned, the establishment must approve it without delay or hesitation.
Regarding the reason for deducting companion days from the annual balance of government employees despite being granted for humanitarian circumstances, Al-Suleimani said: "The absence of employees undoubtedly affects their duties, regardless of the importance or work of that employee. We all work for a financial reward that we receive, so it is our duty to fulfill the trust as it is. The system guarantees the employee a certain number of days annually; equivalent to a full month; meaning that the employee works for eleven months and receives a salary for twelve. There are inevitable necessities that arise for a person, and they must give up part of their comfort. They generously concede here to treat a family member, and the illness of dependents is not a priority for establishments, but since it is a priority for the employee, the legislator granted them the right to it, provided it comes from their personal balance. The public interest is not tied to the interest of a specific individual."
Al-Suleimani: Article 147 guarantees the right to leave under specific controls
Regarding why companion leave is not treated like (sick leave) since it relates to a health circumstance, Al-Suleimani clarified that one should not confuse the illness of the employee themselves with the illness of a family member. Each has its own legal mechanism, and the system guarantees the employee an annual paid leave of one month, and an additional three months for their own illness at full pay. In the companion leave system, those four months are fully granted to the employee considering the sensitivity of kinship, but can the establishment afford to be without the employee for more than a third of the year while paying their full entitlements?
Regarding the intention to review the regulations to separate companion leave from the annual balance and consider it as special or exceptional leave, Al-Suleimani said: "Legislation in Saudi systems has taken into account all aspects; whether personal or practical, in a manner that suits individuals or establishments. It is not permissible to deduct anything extra from one party at the expense of the other. The law guarantees fairness to both sides of the equation (the individual and the establishment) equally, but with greater consideration for the individual."
Regarding employees who see the deduction of companion leave from the annual balance as unjust, Al-Suleimani stated: Work is what provides you and your dependents with living and comfort. He concluded his remarks by reviewing the legal text of the companion leave system and its conditions, "Those allowed companion leave include a mother wishing to accompany her child who is under twelve years old, and the patient must be the employee's wife, the husband of the employee, or one of their relatives up to the third degree. The relevant minister may exempt from this condition in cases where the employee must accompany a relative outside those degrees. For those receiving treatment domestically, it is required that the hospital director and one of its doctors determine the necessity of having a companion for the patient and the prescribed duration for treatment."
For those receiving treatment abroad, it is required that the public medical authority determines the need for a companion for the patient, and the employee must be a legal guardian for a female patient receiving treatment abroad, or in a country different from where they reside domestically.
Companion leave is deducted from the regular leave balance if available. If there is no balance or the duration needed for companionship exceeds what they are entitled to from regular leave, they are allowed to be absent and treated for the excess duration according to sick leave regulations.
No independent text for companion leave
Legal expert Khalid Al-Babtain confirmed to "Okaz" that companion leave in the Saudi system is counted within the employee's regular leave balance, as there is no independent legal text granting it as a separate leave. He pointed out that the leave regulations issued by the Ministry of Human Resources are the current legal basis in effect.
He explained that the system grants the employee 36 days annually as regular leave that can be used for any purpose, including companionship, but companionship is not treated as sick leave because it does not relate to the employee's own illness, but rather to accompanying a relative, which places it outside the scope of statutory sick leave.
He indicated that "there are increasing calls to review the current regulations and separate companion leave from regular leave, similar to some Gulf and international systems that have allocated independent leave for companionship in humanitarian or emergency cases," noting that any potential future amendment may be linked to approved medical reports and the approval of the relevant authorities to ensure a balance between the interests of work and the rights of employees.
Utilization of sick leave
HR specialist Dr. Khalid Rashad Khayyat confirmed to "Okaz" that the system does not include a provision granting an independent leave under the name "Companion Leave."
He indicated that the labor system allows the employee to benefit from sick leave for a maximum of 120 days in the contractual year, distributed as follows: 30 days at full pay, 60 days at three-quarters pay, and 30 days without pay.
He pointed out that "companion leave in the private sector is often handled according to what the employer decides or within the prescribed annual leave, due to the absence of an independent legal text regulating it."
Justice in the workplace
Family and social consultant Dua Zahran confirmed to "Okaz" the importance of considering the humanitarian and psychological aspect of employees when dealing with patient companion leaves, emphasizing the need to find a balance that preserves the rights of distinguished employees without harming the workflow or rewarding employees who frequently excuse themselves with little achievement.
Zahran explained that "the calculation of these leaves should be based on the employee's performance, commitment, and productivity," indicating that the responsibility for managing these cases lies with the manager, who must handle them with flexibility and fairness, according to the work circumstances and needs.
She added that the annual leave is an acquired right for the employee, which they often spend for rest or travel, while accompanying a patient is considered an emergency that requires different handling, with the possibility of compensating tasks remotely or during additional hours to avoid any disruption in the workflow.
Zahran noted that a distinguished employee in their performance deserves special support in emergency situations, while the leaves for frequently absent employees are deducted from their annual balance, affirming that job integrity and commitment are the main criteria for granting flexibility or strictness.
She cited the exceptional circumstances faced by female employees, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and accompanying children, stressing the importance of distinguishing between those who complete their tasks despite these circumstances and those whose absence affects the workflow, achieving justice for all while maintaining the interests of the institution and employees simultaneously.
Numerous variables and rapid development
Social specialist and quality of life expert Sama Al-Muzaini told "Okaz": In the contemporary work environment characterized by numerous variables and rapid development, it has become essential to find a fair balance between employee rights and ensuring their quality of life on one hand, and the continuity and operational and financial stability of the establishment on the other. Each party has rights and obligations that should be recognized and respected.
Employees may go through urgent humanitarian or health circumstances, which is appreciated in our Islamic society based on solidarity, but on the other hand, the establishment bears significant responsibilities in providing a work environment, regular pay, and operational and financial commitments, making the management of long or emergency absences a matter that requires flexibility and mutual awareness.
Al-Muzaini pointed out that "Saudi laws have taken this balance into account and established controls that achieve justice," emphasizing the importance of spreading a culture of financial awareness and flexibility in crisis management among individuals. "When the employee understands the operational and financial challenges faced by the establishment, the culture of mutual appreciation is enhanced, and the narrow emotional perspective diminishes."
She concluded her remarks by emphasizing that true quality of life begins with an internal awareness that balances rights and obligations, adding: "We are not facing cruelty from the workplace, but rather a call for a deeper understanding of reality and seeking practical solutions that preserve human dignity and the stability of institutions simultaneously."
Reviewing leave regulations
Media figure Manal Saleh estimated to "Okaz" that companion leave represents a humanitarian need and a social necessity for employees who go through urgent health circumstances concerning their families, but deducting it from the annual balance deprives the employee of their right to take leave for rest and recreation after a full year of work. She added: "We recognize the importance of the continuity of establishments and their operational rights, but we hope that the current regulations will be reviewed to find a more flexible formula that achieves justice and considers these humanitarian cases."
Voices of employees
In contrast, several employees expressed their opinions on this regulation. Noura Al-Harbi stated that deducting companion leave from the annual balance deprives the employee of their right to entertain themselves after a full year of work, as companionship is a humanitarian circumstance that should be treated independently.
As for Sami Abdu, he said: "This procedure places an additional burden on families who are forced to accompany their children or parents for treatment," calling for the establishment of an independent leave for companionship that considers emergency cases.
Employee Fahd Al-Otaibi explained that the current regulation achieves a balance between the interests of work and the rights of the employee, but he stressed the need to increase awareness of the system to avoid misunderstandings that stir controversy among employees.
Regarding the reason for deducting companion days from the annual balance of government employees despite being granted for humanitarian circumstances, Al-Suleimani said: "The absence of employees undoubtedly affects their duties, regardless of the importance or work of that employee. We all work for a financial reward that we receive, so it is our duty to fulfill the trust as it is. The system guarantees the employee a certain number of days annually; equivalent to a full month; meaning that the employee works for eleven months and receives a salary for twelve. There are inevitable necessities that arise for a person, and they must give up part of their comfort. They generously concede here to treat a family member, and the illness of dependents is not a priority for establishments, but since it is a priority for the employee, the legislator granted them the right to it, provided it comes from their personal balance. The public interest is not tied to the interest of a specific individual."
Al-Suleimani: Article 147 guarantees the right to leave under specific controls
Regarding why companion leave is not treated like (sick leave) since it relates to a health circumstance, Al-Suleimani clarified that one should not confuse the illness of the employee themselves with the illness of a family member. Each has its own legal mechanism, and the system guarantees the employee an annual paid leave of one month, and an additional three months for their own illness at full pay. In the companion leave system, those four months are fully granted to the employee considering the sensitivity of kinship, but can the establishment afford to be without the employee for more than a third of the year while paying their full entitlements?
Regarding the intention to review the regulations to separate companion leave from the annual balance and consider it as special or exceptional leave, Al-Suleimani said: "Legislation in Saudi systems has taken into account all aspects; whether personal or practical, in a manner that suits individuals or establishments. It is not permissible to deduct anything extra from one party at the expense of the other. The law guarantees fairness to both sides of the equation (the individual and the establishment) equally, but with greater consideration for the individual."
Regarding employees who see the deduction of companion leave from the annual balance as unjust, Al-Suleimani stated: Work is what provides you and your dependents with living and comfort. He concluded his remarks by reviewing the legal text of the companion leave system and its conditions, "Those allowed companion leave include a mother wishing to accompany her child who is under twelve years old, and the patient must be the employee's wife, the husband of the employee, or one of their relatives up to the third degree. The relevant minister may exempt from this condition in cases where the employee must accompany a relative outside those degrees. For those receiving treatment domestically, it is required that the hospital director and one of its doctors determine the necessity of having a companion for the patient and the prescribed duration for treatment."
For those receiving treatment abroad, it is required that the public medical authority determines the need for a companion for the patient, and the employee must be a legal guardian for a female patient receiving treatment abroad, or in a country different from where they reside domestically.
Companion leave is deducted from the regular leave balance if available. If there is no balance or the duration needed for companionship exceeds what they are entitled to from regular leave, they are allowed to be absent and treated for the excess duration according to sick leave regulations.
No independent text for companion leave
Legal expert Khalid Al-Babtain confirmed to "Okaz" that companion leave in the Saudi system is counted within the employee's regular leave balance, as there is no independent legal text granting it as a separate leave. He pointed out that the leave regulations issued by the Ministry of Human Resources are the current legal basis in effect.
He explained that the system grants the employee 36 days annually as regular leave that can be used for any purpose, including companionship, but companionship is not treated as sick leave because it does not relate to the employee's own illness, but rather to accompanying a relative, which places it outside the scope of statutory sick leave.
He indicated that "there are increasing calls to review the current regulations and separate companion leave from regular leave, similar to some Gulf and international systems that have allocated independent leave for companionship in humanitarian or emergency cases," noting that any potential future amendment may be linked to approved medical reports and the approval of the relevant authorities to ensure a balance between the interests of work and the rights of employees.
Utilization of sick leave
HR specialist Dr. Khalid Rashad Khayyat confirmed to "Okaz" that the system does not include a provision granting an independent leave under the name "Companion Leave."
He indicated that the labor system allows the employee to benefit from sick leave for a maximum of 120 days in the contractual year, distributed as follows: 30 days at full pay, 60 days at three-quarters pay, and 30 days without pay.
He pointed out that "companion leave in the private sector is often handled according to what the employer decides or within the prescribed annual leave, due to the absence of an independent legal text regulating it."
Justice in the workplace
Family and social consultant Dua Zahran confirmed to "Okaz" the importance of considering the humanitarian and psychological aspect of employees when dealing with patient companion leaves, emphasizing the need to find a balance that preserves the rights of distinguished employees without harming the workflow or rewarding employees who frequently excuse themselves with little achievement.
Zahran explained that "the calculation of these leaves should be based on the employee's performance, commitment, and productivity," indicating that the responsibility for managing these cases lies with the manager, who must handle them with flexibility and fairness, according to the work circumstances and needs.
She added that the annual leave is an acquired right for the employee, which they often spend for rest or travel, while accompanying a patient is considered an emergency that requires different handling, with the possibility of compensating tasks remotely or during additional hours to avoid any disruption in the workflow.
Zahran noted that a distinguished employee in their performance deserves special support in emergency situations, while the leaves for frequently absent employees are deducted from their annual balance, affirming that job integrity and commitment are the main criteria for granting flexibility or strictness.
She cited the exceptional circumstances faced by female employees, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and accompanying children, stressing the importance of distinguishing between those who complete their tasks despite these circumstances and those whose absence affects the workflow, achieving justice for all while maintaining the interests of the institution and employees simultaneously.
Numerous variables and rapid development
Social specialist and quality of life expert Sama Al-Muzaini told "Okaz": In the contemporary work environment characterized by numerous variables and rapid development, it has become essential to find a fair balance between employee rights and ensuring their quality of life on one hand, and the continuity and operational and financial stability of the establishment on the other. Each party has rights and obligations that should be recognized and respected.
Employees may go through urgent humanitarian or health circumstances, which is appreciated in our Islamic society based on solidarity, but on the other hand, the establishment bears significant responsibilities in providing a work environment, regular pay, and operational and financial commitments, making the management of long or emergency absences a matter that requires flexibility and mutual awareness.
Al-Muzaini pointed out that "Saudi laws have taken this balance into account and established controls that achieve justice," emphasizing the importance of spreading a culture of financial awareness and flexibility in crisis management among individuals. "When the employee understands the operational and financial challenges faced by the establishment, the culture of mutual appreciation is enhanced, and the narrow emotional perspective diminishes."
She concluded her remarks by emphasizing that true quality of life begins with an internal awareness that balances rights and obligations, adding: "We are not facing cruelty from the workplace, but rather a call for a deeper understanding of reality and seeking practical solutions that preserve human dignity and the stability of institutions simultaneously."
Reviewing leave regulations
Media figure Manal Saleh estimated to "Okaz" that companion leave represents a humanitarian need and a social necessity for employees who go through urgent health circumstances concerning their families, but deducting it from the annual balance deprives the employee of their right to take leave for rest and recreation after a full year of work. She added: "We recognize the importance of the continuity of establishments and their operational rights, but we hope that the current regulations will be reviewed to find a more flexible formula that achieves justice and considers these humanitarian cases."
Voices of employees
In contrast, several employees expressed their opinions on this regulation. Noura Al-Harbi stated that deducting companion leave from the annual balance deprives the employee of their right to entertain themselves after a full year of work, as companionship is a humanitarian circumstance that should be treated independently.
As for Sami Abdu, he said: "This procedure places an additional burden on families who are forced to accompany their children or parents for treatment," calling for the establishment of an independent leave for companionship that considers emergency cases.
Employee Fahd Al-Otaibi explained that the current regulation achieves a balance between the interests of work and the rights of the employee, but he stressed the need to increase awareness of the system to avoid misunderstandings that stir controversy among employees.