Walgreens Employee Holiday and Leave Policy
As of late 2025, Walgreens updated its Holiday and Leave policy for hourly store employees. The biggest change was the removal of automatic paid holidays for Hourly Store Employees.
In 2026, Walgreens recognizes 6 major U.S. holidays, but hourly employees do not automatically receive paid holidays. To receive holiday pay, employees must work their scheduled shift; otherwise, they must use earned PTO to be paid.
PTO is earned gradually based on hours worked and length of service, and there is no fixed number of PTO days for everyone most full-time hourly employees typically earn over time around 2–3 weeks per year depending on tenure. Sick leave (PSSL) is also earned gradually and varies by state law and employment status, with no fixed monthly limit.
This guide explains everything employees need to know about there Holiday and Leaves.
Holiday Pay Policy (2026 Update)
Walgreens no longer provides automatic paid holidays for hourly employees.
For the 6 major U.S. holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
Hourly Store employee must work their scheduled shift to receive holiday pay.
Premium holiday pay may apply for employees who work on major holidays, depending on store policy and location.
Premium Holiday Pay
Premium holiday pay means extra pay when an employee works on a major holiday.
Does Walgreens Offer Premium Pay?
- Depends on the store location
- May vary based on state labor laws
- Is determined by management policies
There is no guaranteed automatic time and a half for all employees at all locations.
How Premium Pay is Calculated
When premium pay applies, employees may receive:
- Their regular hourly rate
- Time-and-a-half (1.5x their hourly rate)
- Additional incentives (varies by store)
Example:
If an employee’s hourly rate is $18:
- Regular pay = $18 per hour
- Time-and-a-half = $27 per hour
This depends on the specific store and location policy.
Please note that pay rates are just for the sake of example and your understanding.
Key Points
- Premium pay is only provided if the employee works on the holiday.
- Employees do not automatically earn extra pay for just the holiday being observed.
- If an employee does not work on a holiday, they must use earned PTO to get paid.
Employees should confirm with their store manager or check Walgreens Holiday Schedule
2026 Holiday Policy vs Previous Policy
| Policy Area | Previous Policy (Before 2026) | 2026 Policy Update |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Paid Holidays | Hourly employees received automatic holiday pay | No automatic paid holidays |
| Requirement to Get Paid | Paid even if not scheduled in some cases | Must work scheduled shift to get paid |
| PTO Usage for Holidays | PTO optional in many cases | PTO required if not working |
| Separate Holiday Pay Bank | Available for many hourly roles | No separate holiday pay bank |
| Flexibility | More structured holiday benefit | More work-based eligibility |
This update mainly affects hourly store employees.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
What is PTO?
PTO (Paid Time Off) is a bank of paid hours employees earn over time. Instead of separate vacation and sick days, Walgreens uses one PTO system for:
- Vacation
- Personal days
- Illness
- Holidays (if not working)
Who is Eligible for PTO?
- Full-time hourly employees begin to earn PTO based on hours worked.
- Part-time employees may earn PTO at a different rate.
- Earning increases with length of service.
There is no fixed number of PTO days for everyone. Most full-time employees may earn approximately 2–3 weeks per year, depending on how long they have worked.
How Many PTO Days Can Be Taken Per Year?
- The amount depends on hours worked.
- The more tenure an employee has, the higher the earning rate.
- PTO must be available in the employee’s balance before use.
Unused PTO rules may vary by state and company policy.
How to Apply for PTO
- Log into the Walgreens OneID login
- Go to the Time Off or PTO request section.
- Select the dates requested.
- Submit request for manager approval.
- Wait for confirmation from store manager.
Employees should request PTO in advance whenever possible. Blackout periods may apply during peak retail seasons.
Sick Leave (PSSL Paid Sick & Safe Leave)
What is PSSL?
PSSL is paid sick leave that earns gradually based on hours worked.
It can be used for:
- Personal illness
- Medical appointments
- Caring for a sick family member
- Safe leave (where required by state law)
How Much Sick Leave Do Employees Get?
There is no fixed monthly limit.
Sick leave:
- Earned based on hours worked.
- Varies by state law.
- May differ for part-time and full-time employees.
Employees should check state specific rules or HR resources for exact earning rates.Sick leave can be applied through Employee OneID login portal.
Parental Leave
Walgreens provides parental leave benefits for eligible employees.
Parental leave may include:
- Paid maternity leave
- Paid paternity leave
- Bonding leave after birth or adoption
- Short-term disability (for birth mothers)
Eligibility depends on:
- Employment status (full-time vs part-time)
- Length of service
- Role classification
Parental leave policies may coordinate with FMLA protections, where applicable. Employees should contact HR for exact benefit details and duration limits.
Part-Time vs Full-Time Employees (2026)
| Policy Area | Full-Time Hourly Employees | Part-Time Hourly Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Pay | Must work scheduled holiday to receive pay | Must work scheduled holiday to receive pay |
| PTO Earning | Higher earning rate based on tenure | Lower earning rate based on hours worked |
| Average PTO Per Year | Approx. 2–3 weeks (varies by service length) | Based on hours worked (no fixed amount) |
| Sick Leave (PSSL) | Earned based on hours + state law | Earned based on hours + state law |
| Parental Leave | Eligible if service requirements met | May be limited based on eligibility |
| Attendance Limit | 5 unexcused occurrences per year | Same 5-occurrence policy |
Main Difference: Full-time employees generally earns PTO faster and may qualify for broader benefits, but holiday pay rules and attendance limits apply equally to both for further employee can check other benefits other than this on walgreens employee benefit
Hourly Pay & Holiday Compensation
Walgreens hourly employees are paid based on their position, experience, and location. Pay rates may vary by state and store.
Typical hourly pay ranges (approximate):
- Customer Service Associate: $15–$18 per hour
- Pharmacy Technician: $16–$22 per hour
- Shift Lead: $17–$23 per hour
Actual pay depends on:
- Job role
- Store location
- State minimum wage laws
- Experience level
For more details on how the pay is calculated employees can obtain the correct information from Walgreens Employee PayStub..
Attendance Policy
Walgreens follows a January – December attendance cycle.
Employees are allowed 5 unexcused occurrences per calendar year.
One occurrence covers:
- A single call-out
- Up to two consecutive scheduled days
Disciplinary Steps:
- 6th occurrence : Record of Discussion
- 7th occurrence : Written Warning
- 8th occurrence : Final Warning
- 9th occurrence : Termination
The occurrence limit resets every January 1, but active disciplinary actions remain on record for 12 months.
Approved absences such as:
- Bereavement
- Jury duty
- Military leave
- FMLA
do not count as occurrences.
For more information about attendance and work schedule Employees can get more information on ESS WorkForce Portal.
Where Employees Mark Attendance
Employees typically track attendance and schedules through the Walgreens ESS portal.
Through the portal, employees can:
- View schedules
- Check attendance records
- Review time balances
Managers approve time entries and monitor attendance through the same system.
Store Operations on Holidays
Most Walgreens stores remain open on major holidays, although hours may vary by location.
Employees should check their store schedule or Walgreens Holiday Schedule to check the exact working hours.
Conclusion
In 2026, Walgreens hourly employees must work scheduled holidays to receive holiday pay. Six major holidays are affected. PTO and sick leave are earned on basis on hours worked. Attendance is monitored through a five-occurrence annual system, with progressive discipline after the sixth occurrence.
Parental leave benefits are available for eligible employees, depending on status and tenure.
Employees should always confirm official policies through internal HR resources, as policies may vary by state and store, or visit Walgreens for more details.
FAQS
Do Walgreens hourly employees get paid holidays automatically in 2026?
No. Hourly, non-exempt employees do not receive automatic paid holidays. To receive holiday pay, you must work your scheduled shift.
What happens if I don’t work on a holiday?
If you are scheduled but do not work, you will not receive holiday pay unless you use earned PTO to cover the shift.
How many holidays does Walgreens recognize?
Walgreens recognizes 6 major U.S. holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
How much PTO do employees get per year?
There is no fixed number for everyone. PTO is Earned based on hours worked and length of service. Most full-time hourly employees may earn approximately 2–3 weeks per year, depending on tenure.
Does PTO roll over to the next year?
Carryover rules may vary by state and company policy. Employees should check the employee portal or HR for exact limits.