Greek labor law establishes clear regulations regarding working time to ensure employee well-being and fair compensation. These rules define the standard workweek, govern how and when overtime can be worked, mandate necessary rest periods, and outline specific requirements for work performed during nights or weekends. Employers operating in Greece must adhere strictly to these provisions to maintain compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses employing staff in Greece, whether local or international. The framework covers daily and weekly working hour limits, specific compensation rates for hours worked beyond the standard, entitlements for breaks and rest between shifts and workweeks, and obligations for employers to accurately track employee working time. These rules are designed to protect employees while providing a structured environment for work.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek Structure
The standard legal working time in Greece is 40 hours per week. This can typically be structured in two main ways:
- 5-day workweek: 8 hours per day.
- 6-day workweek: 6 hours and 40 minutes (6:40) per day.
Collective labor agreements or individual employment contracts may specify different standard hours, but they cannot exceed the legal maximum unless specific averaging or flexible arrangements are applied under strict conditions. Flexible working time arrangements are possible, allowing for variations in daily or weekly hours, provided the average over a reference period (usually up to 4 months) does not exceed the standard weekly limit.
Overtime Regulations and Compensation Requirements
Work performed beyond the standard weekly hours (typically 40 hours) is considered overtime. Greek law distinguishes between different types of overtime based on the number of extra hours worked and when they occur. Overtime must generally be authorized and compensated at increased rates.
| Type of Overtime | Compensation Rate (Increase over standard hourly wage) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overtime (up to 120 hours annually) | +40% | Applies to hours exceeding the standard weekly limit up to the annual threshold. |
| Illegal Overtime (beyond 120 hours annually) | +80% | Applies to hours exceeding the annual threshold without proper authorization. |
| Work on Sundays or Public Holidays | +75% | Applies to standard hours worked on these days. Overtime on these days is compensated at even higher rates. |
| Night Work (22:00 to 06:00) | +25% | Applies to standard hours worked during this period. Overtime during this period is compensated at higher rates. |
Employers must record all overtime hours accurately. There are limits on the maximum number of overtime hours an employee can work, both daily and annually, which are subject to change based on sector-specific regulations or collective agreements.
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Greek law mandates specific rest periods to ensure employee health and safety. These include daily rest, weekly rest, and breaks during the workday.
| Type of Rest/Break | Minimum Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Rest | 11 consecutive hours between the end of one working day and the start of the next. | Applies to all employees. |
| Weekly Rest | 24 consecutive hours, plus the 11 hours of daily rest, totaling 35 hours. | Typically includes Sunday. Can be shifted for certain sectors. |
| Break During Workday | 15 to 30 minutes after 4 hours of work. | Applies to workdays exceeding 6 hours. Not considered working time. |
These are minimum requirements, and collective agreements or company policies may provide for longer rest periods or breaks.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Working during night hours (typically 22:00 to 06:00) or on Sundays and public holidays is subject to specific regulations and compensation. As noted in the overtime section, standard hours worked during these times are compensated at higher rates (+25% for night work, +75% for Sunday/holiday work).
Specific rules may apply to the duration of night shifts, health checks for night workers, and the possibility of compensatory time off instead of or in addition to increased pay, depending on collective agreements and the nature of the work. Work on Sundays is generally prohibited, with exceptions for specific sectors and roles where continuous operation is necessary.
Working Time Recording Obligations
Employers in Greece have a legal obligation to maintain accurate records of their employees' working time. This is crucial for demonstrating compliance with standard hours, overtime limits, and rest period requirements.
Key recording requirements include:
- Start and end time of each workday.
- Duration and timing of breaks.
- Calculation of total daily and weekly working hours.
- Identification and recording of overtime hours.
Recent legislative changes have emphasized the use of digital systems for recording working time, such as the "Ergani II" system, requiring real-time or near real-time submission of employee schedules and actual working hours. Failure to maintain accurate records or comply with digital reporting requirements can result in significant fines and penalties for the employer.
