As we approach 2026, both HR professionals and employees need to stay ahead of the public holiday calendar. Whether you're planning workforce schedules or mapping out your annual leave, understanding Singapore's public holidays is essential for smooth operations and maximizing your time off!
For Employees: Looking to plan your vacation days strategically? This guide will show you how to make the most of your public holiday entitlements, understand your rights when working on holidays, and spot those perfect long weekend opportunities throughout 2026.
Let's dive into everything you need to know about Singapore's public holiday 2026!
What MOM Says: Public Holiday 2026 Official Dates
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced the 11 gazetted public holidays for 2026, and there's good news – we're getting six long weekends! Here's the complete public holiday calendar:
Public Holiday Pay: What Every Singapore Employer Should Know
Understanding public holiday pay is crucial for HR professionals and employers in Singapore. Let's break down the key points according to the Employment Act:
Basic Entitlement
All employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to 11 paid public holidays per year. It's important to note that:
- Employers and employees can mutually agree to substitute a public holiday for another working day. (Read more: A Comprehensive Guide to Calculate Overtime Pay in Singapore)
- This ensures flexibility while maintaining employee benefits.
Compensation for Working on Public Holidays
When employees are required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to:
- An extra day's salary at the basic rate of pay
- PLUS their gross rate of pay for that day
Time-Off-In-Lieu Option
Employers have the flexibility to grant time-off-in-lieu instead of extra pay for certain employee categories. This applies to:
- Workmen earning more than $4,500 a month
- Non-workmen earning more than $2,600 a month
- All Managers and Executives
Important Note: The number of hours for time-off-in-lieu must be mutually agreed upon between employer and employee. (Read more: Comprehensive Guide to Time Off in Lieu for Employers and HR in Singapore)
Best Practices for Employers
Here are some tips for HR professionals and employers to prepare for upcoming public holidays:
- Clear Communication: Document and communicate your public holiday policy clearly
- Fair Implementation: Ensure consistent application across eligible employee groups
- Proper Documentation: Keep records of any mutual agreements for holiday substitution
- System Updates: Regularly update your HR systems to reflect current salary thresholds (Read more: Top 5 HR Software for Small & Medium Businesses in Singapore)
Common Questions About Public Holiday Pay
Q1: How is the extra day's salary calculated?
A: The extra day's salary is calculated at the basic rate of pay, not including allowances or other additional payments.
Q2: Can an employer force an employee to work on a public holiday?
A: While employers can request employees to work on public holidays, proper compensation must be provided as per the Employment Act.
Q3: Do part-time employees get public holiday pay?
A: Yes, part-time employees are entitled to pro-rated public holiday pay based on their working hours. (Read more: Understanding Part-Time Employment Regulations in Singapore)
Make Public Holiday Management Effortless with Swingvy
Managing public holidays doesn't have to be complicated. With Swingvy's comprehensive HR software, you can:
✅ Automatically track Singapore's public holiday calendar with real-time MOM updates
✅ Calculate public holiday pay accurately for all employee types – full-time, part-time, and contractors
✅ Manage time-off-in-lieu with complete transparency and audit trails
✅ Generate compliance reports to ensure you're meeting Employment Act requirements
✅ Plan workforce schedules around public holidays with visual calendar tools
✅ Streamline payroll processing with built-in public holiday calculations
Stop juggling spreadsheets and start managing your team with confidence. Try Swingvy today and discover how easy HR can be!
Related Posts
Complete Guide to Singapore's Annual Leave Rules
Guide to Sick Leave Entitlement and Eligibility in Singapore
Understanding Childcare Leave in Singapore
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