Finnish employment law sets specific parameters for working hours, overtime, and rest periods to protect employee well-being and ensure fair labor practices. Employers operating in Finland must adhere to these regulations, which are primarily governed by the Working Hours Act. Understanding these rules is crucial for maintaining compliance and fostering a positive work environment.
The Working Hours Act applies to most employees, although certain exceptions exist for specific industries and roles, such as those in managerial positions or those performing tasks of a religious nature. Collective bargaining agreements may also provide further details and variations on these regulations, often offering more favorable terms for employees.
Standard Working Hours
The standard working time in Finland is generally 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. This can be arranged in various ways, provided that the total working time does not exceed these limits.
- Daily Working Hours: Typically 8 hours.
- Weekly Working Hours: Typically 40 hours.
- Flexibility: Working hours can be arranged flexibly, as long as the total hours do not exceed the standard limits.
Overtime Regulations
Overtime work requires the employee's consent, except in cases of unexpected emergencies or urgent work. Compensation for overtime is mandatory and is typically paid as an increased wage.
| Overtime Type | Compensation Rate |
|---|---|
| First 2 hours of daily overtime | 50% increase over the regular hourly wage |
| Subsequent hours of daily overtime | 100% increase over the regular hourly wage |
| Weekly overtime | 50% increase over the regular hourly wage |
Maximum Overtime:
- Maximum Overtime per Year: 138 hours. This can be increased to 250 hours with a collective agreement.
- Temporary Increase: An employer can apply for permission to temporarily increase overtime hours beyond the standard limits under special circumstances.
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Employees are entitled to regular rest periods to ensure their well-being and productivity.
- Daily Rest Period: At least 11 consecutive hours of rest within each 24-hour period.
- Weekly Rest Period: At least 35 consecutive hours of rest per week, typically on Sunday.
- Breaks During the Workday:
- If the working day exceeds 6 hours, the employee is entitled to at least one regular break. This break should be at least 30 minutes long, during which the employee is free to leave their workstation.
- Shorter breaks are also permitted, depending on the nature of the work.
Night Shift and Weekend Work
Night shift and weekend work are subject to specific regulations to protect employees' health and safety.
- Night Work: Work performed between 11 PM and 6 AM is considered night work. Regular night work requires a specific justification.
- Compensation for Night Work: Collective agreements often stipulate additional compensation for night work.
- Weekend Work: Work performed on Sundays or public holidays is generally restricted, but exceptions exist for certain industries and roles.
- Compensation for Weekend Work: Employees are typically entitled to increased compensation for working on Sundays and public holidays, often at a rate of 100% of their regular wage.
Working Time Recording
Employers in Finland have a legal obligation to accurately record the working hours of their employees.
- Record Keeping: Employers must maintain records of all hours worked, including regular hours, overtime hours, and any absences.
- Accessibility: These records must be accessible to both the employee and the relevant authorities.
- Retention Period: Working time records must be retained for a specified period, typically several years, to comply with auditing and inspection requirements.
- Compliance: Failure to maintain accurate working time records can result in penalties and legal action.
