Navigating employment regulations in North Macedonia requires a clear understanding of the rules governing working time. The Labor Law sets the framework for standard working hours, overtime, rest periods, and other related aspects of employment, ensuring fair treatment and compliance for both employers and employees operating within the country. Adhering to these regulations is crucial for businesses establishing or managing a workforce in North Macedonia, whether through direct employment or utilizing services like an Employer of Record.
Understanding the specific requirements for working hours, overtime compensation, and mandatory rest is fundamental to maintaining legal compliance and fostering a productive work environment. These rules are designed to protect employee well-being while providing clarity for employers on their obligations regarding scheduling and compensation.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek
The standard full-time working hours in North Macedonia are set at 40 hours per week. This is typically distributed over a five-day workweek, resulting in an eight-hour workday. However, the law permits variations in the distribution of working hours across the week, provided the average weekly limit of 40 hours is not exceeded over a defined period, often related to the calculation of overtime. For specific roles or industries, a shorter workweek may be established by law or collective agreement, but the 40-hour limit represents the general standard for full-time employment.
Overtime Regulations and Compensation
Work performed beyond the standard 40 hours per week is considered overtime. There are strict limits on the amount of overtime an employee can work. Generally, overtime is limited to a maximum of 8 hours per week and 190 hours per year per employee. Overtime work must be compensated at a higher rate than the standard hourly wage. The specific premium for overtime is mandated by law and may be further defined by collective agreements or individual employment contracts, provided it meets the legal minimum.
| Type of Work | Minimum Overtime Premium (as % of base wage) |
|---|---|
| Overtime | 35% |
Overtime should only be requested when necessary due to exceptional circumstances, increased workload, or other urgent needs, and it must be ordered in writing by the employer.
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Employees in North Macedonia are entitled to mandatory rest periods to ensure adequate breaks during the workday and between workdays and workweeks.
- Daily Break: Employees working a full-time day are entitled to a paid break of at least 30 minutes during the workday. This break is typically included within the eight-hour workday.
- Daily Rest: Employees are entitled to a minimum daily rest period of 12 consecutive hours between two working days.
- Weekly Rest: Employees are entitled to a minimum weekly rest period of 24 consecutive hours, usually taken on Sunday. In specific cases where work on Sunday is necessary, the weekly rest must be provided on another day of the week, and the employee is entitled to additional compensation for working on Sunday.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Work performed during specific hours of the night is considered night work and is subject to special regulations and compensation. The period defined as night work is typically between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM of the following day. Employees regularly working night shifts may have limitations on the duration of their shifts and are entitled to a higher rate of pay.
| Type of Work | Minimum Premium (as % of base wage) |
|---|---|
| Night Work | 35% |
| Sunday Work | 50% |
Working on weekends, particularly Sundays, also triggers specific compensation requirements. As mentioned, Sunday is typically the day for weekly rest, and work performed on this day is subject to a premium rate.
Working Time Recording Obligations
Employers in North Macedonia have a legal obligation to accurately record the working hours of their employees. This includes recording the start and end times of each workday, as well as any overtime worked. Maintaining precise records is essential for demonstrating compliance with standard working hour limits, overtime regulations, and rest period entitlements. These records must be accessible for inspection by relevant authorities and may be required in case of disputes regarding working time or compensation. Proper timekeeping is a fundamental aspect of labor law compliance for all employers operating in the country.
