Working time regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina are primarily governed by labor laws at the entity level (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska), as well as the Brčko District. These laws establish the framework for standard working hours, overtime, rest periods, and other aspects of an employee's work schedule, aiming to protect employee well-being and ensure fair labor practices. Employers operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina must adhere to these regulations to maintain compliance and avoid potential legal issues.
Understanding and correctly applying these rules is crucial for businesses employing staff in the country. This includes knowing the limits on daily and weekly hours, how to properly compensate for work exceeding standard hours, and the mandatory breaks and rest periods employees are entitled to. Compliance also involves maintaining accurate records of working time, which is a key obligation for employers under the law.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek
The standard full-time working hours in Bosnia and Herzegovina are set at 40 hours per week. This is typically structured as an eight-hour workday, five days a week. However, labor laws allow for variations in the distribution of these hours across the workweek, provided the total weekly limit is not exceeded.
It is possible for the average working time over a specific period (usually up to four months) to be calculated, allowing for flexibility in daily or weekly hours, as long as the average remains within the 40-hour limit. Reduced working hours may apply to certain roles or industries based on specific regulations or collective agreements.
Overtime Regulations and Compensation
Work performed in excess of the standard 40 hours per week is considered overtime. Overtime work is generally permitted but is subject to strict limits and requires increased compensation. The maximum amount of overtime an employee can work is typically limited by law.
| Overtime Limit (General) | 8 hours per week, or 20 hours per month |
|---|---|
| Overtime Limit (Annual) | 180 hours per year |
Higher annual limits may be permitted under specific conditions or collective agreements, but these are subject to legal constraints. Overtime must be compensated at a rate higher than the employee's basic salary.
| Overtime Compensation Rate (Minimum) | Basic salary + at least 25% |
|---|---|
| Overtime on Holidays/Weekends | Basic salary + higher percentage (varies by entity/agreement) |
| Overtime during Night Shifts | Basic salary + higher percentage (varies by entity/agreement) |
Specific collective agreements or internal company policies may stipulate higher overtime rates than the statutory minimums.
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Employees in Bosnia and Herzegovina are entitled to mandatory rest periods during the workday, between workdays, and on a weekly basis. These entitlements are designed to ensure adequate rest and recovery time.
- Daily Break: Employees working a full eight-hour day are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes during the workday. This break is typically not included in the working time.
- Daily Rest: Employees are entitled to a minimum rest period between two consecutive workdays.
- Weekly Rest: Employees are entitled to a minimum continuous rest period per week, typically 24 consecutive hours, usually including Sunday.
Specific regulations may provide for longer rest periods depending on the nature of the work or industry.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Work performed during night hours or on weekends is subject to specific regulations and often requires higher compensation rates.
- Night Work: The period defined as night work is typically between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Employees regularly working night shifts may have specific entitlements regarding working hours and health checks.
- Weekend Work: Work performed on the statutory weekly rest day (usually Sunday) or on public holidays is subject to increased compensation rates, as mentioned in the overtime section.
Specific rules may apply to the scheduling and duration of night shifts to protect employee health and safety.
Working Time Recording Obligations
Employers in Bosnia and Herzegovina have a legal obligation to keep accurate records of their employees' working time. This includes recording the start and end times of work, as well as any overtime hours worked.
These records serve as proof of compliance with working time regulations and are subject to inspection by labor authorities. Maintaining precise and up-to-date records is essential for demonstrating adherence to legal requirements regarding standard hours, overtime limits, and rest periods. Failure to keep proper records can result in penalties for the employer.
