In Germany, the regulation of overtime work is governed by the Working Time Act (ArbZG). This law establishes the framework for organizing working hours and protects the interests of employees regarding their labor obligations.
Related topic: 5 Tips on how to negotiate a higher salary in Germany
All employers are required to adhere to this clear regulation, and employees have the full right to demand that their managers comply with the existing laws.
Permissible overtime work in Germany
The regular working hours can be extended from 8 to 10 hours per day.
A mandatory condition is that, on average, more than 8 hours per day must be worked over a period of 6 months.
Employees are allowed to work a maximum of 48 hours per week, considering all working days. In exceptional cases, an extension up to 60 hours is possible, but the average must not exceed this limit within a quarter.
In principle, underage workers are allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours per week.
Certain professional groups (e.g., senior managers, chief physicians) are exempt from the general rules, and their provisions are directly outlined in the Working Time Act.
An employee has the right to refuse overtime work unless it is explicitly stated in the employment contract. If overtime work is assigned, it must be appropriately compensated, either through payment or compensatory time off. These details should be specified in the employment contract, or else the employer may deny benefits.
To ensure a healthy work-life balance, it is crucial to monitor that overtime work does not become the norm. If any discrepancies in hourly accounts are noticed, it is advisable to discuss them with the employer.
Unless otherwise specified in the employment contract, the employer cannot demand overtime work. Exceptions may occur in situations such as a wave of illnesses among employees, resulting in a shortage of workforce.
Additionally, during server outages, cyber attacks, or other incidents requiring immediate specialist intervention, the employer has the right to engage employees in overtime work.
The demand for overtime work is not permissible unless specific provisions are outlined in the employment contract.
Related topics:
Salaries in Germany can be influenced by negotiations during the job application process or during annual salary reviews. Employers often consider factors such as the employee's performance and the market average salaries for specific jobs when deciding on salary increases.
It's important to note that while job seekers and employees in Germany have the right to negotiate their salaries, the salaries in Germany, particularly for entry-level positions, may not be as high as in some other countries, given Germany's strong emphasis on job security and social welfare.
