Navigating labor regulations is essential for businesses operating in Jordan, particularly concerning working hours and employee compensation. Jordanian labor law establishes clear guidelines to ensure fair treatment of employees regarding their work schedules, rest periods, and remuneration for time worked beyond standard limits. Adhering to these regulations is not only a legal requirement but also crucial for maintaining positive employee relations and operational compliance.
Understanding the specific rules around standard hours, overtime, and mandatory breaks is fundamental for employers. These regulations define the framework within which work can be organized and compensated, impacting everything from daily operations to payroll processing. Compliance helps avoid potential disputes and legal issues, ensuring a smooth and lawful employment relationship.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek
Jordanian labor law defines the maximum standard working hours for employees. The typical workweek structure is also specified, outlining the number of days an employee is expected to work within a week.
- Maximum Daily Hours: Standard working hours should not exceed eight hours per day.
- Maximum Weekly Hours: The total standard working hours per week should not exceed 48 hours.
- Workweek Structure: The standard workweek typically consists of six working days.
These limits apply to most employees, though specific sectors or roles may have variations based on the nature of the work or collective agreements.
Overtime Regulations and Compensation
Work performed beyond the standard daily or weekly hours is considered overtime and must be compensated at a higher rate. The law specifies how overtime is calculated and the minimum rates that must be paid.
- Calculation: Overtime is calculated based on the employee's basic wage.
- Compensation Rates:
- For overtime worked during regular working days, the employee is entitled to their basic wage plus an additional amount not less than 25% of that wage.
- For overtime worked on the weekly rest day (typically Friday), the employee is entitled to their basic wage plus an additional amount not less than 50% of that wage.
- For overtime worked on official holidays, the employee is entitled to their basic wage plus an additional amount not less than 50% of that wage.
| Overtime Scenario | Minimum Compensation Rate (in addition to basic wage) |
|---|---|
| Regular Working Day | +25% |
| Weekly Rest Day (Friday) | +50% |
| Official Holiday | +50% |
It is important to note that the total actual working hours, including overtime, should not exceed a certain limit, typically 10 hours per day, unless specific exceptions apply.
Rest Periods and Breaks
Employees are entitled to mandatory rest periods during the workday and a weekly rest day. These breaks are crucial for employee well-being and productivity.
- Daily Breaks: Employees working continuously for five hours are entitled to a rest period of not less than one hour. This break is generally not included in the calculation of working hours.
- Weekly Rest: Employees are entitled to a full weekly rest day, which is typically Friday. This day is a paid rest day.
These rest periods are minimum requirements, and employers may provide longer breaks or additional rest days based on company policy or specific agreements.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Working during night hours or on weekends (specifically the weekly rest day) is subject to specific regulations, primarily concerning compensation as detailed in the overtime section. While there aren't separate maximum hour limits specifically for night shifts distinct from the general daily/weekly limits, the compensation rates for working during the weekly rest day or official holidays are higher. Employers must also consider the well-being of employees working night shifts, although specific detailed regulations on health checks or shift rotation might depend on the sector or company policy beyond the basic labor law.
Working Time Recording Obligations
Employers in Jordan are legally required to maintain accurate records of employee working hours. This is essential for ensuring compliance with standard hour limits, correctly calculating overtime pay, and demonstrating adherence to labor law during inspections.
- Record Keeping: Employers must keep detailed records showing the daily and weekly working hours for each employee.
- Accessibility: These records should be accessible for inspection by the relevant authorities.
- Purpose: Accurate records are necessary for calculating wages, overtime, and ensuring compliance with rest period requirements.
Maintaining transparent and accurate time records is a fundamental employer obligation that supports fair compensation and legal compliance.
