What term is used for when an employee is free not to come into work, even if they are not sick?

The correct answer, personal days, refers to days off that employees can take for various reasons that are not limited to illness. These days provide employees with the flexibility to attend to personal matters, manage their wellbeing, or take a break without needing to justify their absence beyond their personal needs. It acknowledges that employees may have commitments or circumstances that require their attention but are not necessarily related to health or illness.

While vacation days are intended for planned time off, typically for leisure, and sick days are specifically designated for when an employee is ill, personal days offer a broader scope. Holidays, on the other hand, are pre-determined days off that correspond to specific observances or celebrations. Hence, personal days are the most flexible option for employees to use at their discretion for any personal reasons.