Jordan's labor law establishes clear regulations regarding working hours, rest periods, and overtime compensation to protect employee welfare and ensure fair labor practices. These rules apply to most employees working within the Hashemite Kingdom, defining the standard workweek and setting limits on daily and weekly working time. Adhering to these regulations is a fundamental requirement for employers operating in Jordan.
Understanding and implementing these working time rules is crucial for businesses to maintain legal compliance, avoid potential penalties, and foster a positive working environment. The law specifies how standard hours are calculated, when overtime is permissible, and the minimum entitlements for employee rest and breaks.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek Structure
The standard working hours for employees in Jordan are set by law. These limits define the maximum time an employee can be required to work under normal circumstances.
- Maximum Daily Hours: 8 hours
- Maximum Weekly Hours: 48 hours
These hours typically exclude the mandatory rest period during the workday. The standard workweek in Jordan is generally six days, with Friday often designated as the weekly rest day, although this can vary depending on the sector and employer policy, provided the employee receives a full 24 consecutive hours of rest per week.
| Working Time Limit | Duration |
|---|---|
| Maximum Daily | 8 hours |
| Maximum Weekly | 48 hours |
| Standard Workweek | 6 days |
| Weekly Rest | 24 hours |
Overtime Regulations and Compensation Requirements
Work performed beyond the standard daily or weekly hours is considered overtime and is subject to specific regulations and compensation rates. Overtime should generally be voluntary, and there are limits on the total amount of overtime an employee can work.
Overtime compensation is calculated based on the employee's basic wage. The minimum rates for overtime are mandated by law:
- Overtime during normal working days: Paid at a rate of not less than 125% of the basic hourly wage.
- Overtime during weekly rest days or official holidays: Paid at a rate of not less than 150% of the basic hourly wage.
Employers must ensure that overtime is properly recorded and compensated according to these minimum rates.
| Overtime Scenario | Minimum Compensation Rate |
|---|---|
| Overtime on Normal Working Days | 125% of basic wage |
| Overtime on Weekly Rest Days | 150% of basic wage |
| Overtime on Official Holidays | 150% of basic wage |
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Employees are entitled to mandatory rest periods during the workday and a weekly rest day. These breaks are essential for employee well-being and productivity.
- Daily Rest Period: Employees are entitled to a rest period of not less than one hour after working for six consecutive hours. This break is typically unpaid and is not included in the calculation of the standard working hours.
- Weekly Rest: Employees are entitled to a paid weekly rest period of not less than 24 consecutive hours. As mentioned, this is commonly Friday but can be another day agreed upon by the employer and employee or specified in the employment contract, provided it meets the 24-hour consecutive requirement.
| Rest Period Type | Minimum Duration | Inclusion in Working Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Break | 1 hour (after 6 hours) | Excluded (typically unpaid) |
| Weekly Rest | 24 consecutive hours | Included (paid) |
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Specific regulations may apply to employees working night shifts or regularly scheduled weekend work, particularly concerning health and safety considerations and potential compensation adjustments. While the standard overtime rates apply to work on weekly rest days (weekends) and official holidays, additional rules might govern the duration and frequency of night work. Employers must ensure adequate rest periods are provided for employees engaged in night work.
Working Time Recording Obligations for Employers
Employers in Jordan are legally required to maintain accurate records of their employees' working hours. This obligation is crucial for demonstrating compliance with standard hour limits, overtime regulations, and rest period entitlements.
Required records typically include:
- Daily start and end times for each employee.
- Duration of rest periods taken.
- Total daily and weekly working hours.
- Details of any overtime worked, including dates, hours, and compensation paid.
These records must be kept up-to-date and made available for inspection by the relevant labor authorities upon request. Accurate record-keeping is a cornerstone of labor law compliance and protects both the employer and the employee.
