Navigating the complexities of international employment requires a thorough understanding of local labor laws, particularly concerning working hours and compensation. In Slovakia, the regulation of working time is governed by the Labor Code, which sets clear standards for standard hours, overtime, rest periods, and specific conditions for night and weekend work. Adhering to these regulations is crucial for employers to ensure compliance, maintain fair working conditions, and avoid potential legal issues.
Understanding the specific requirements for working time, including maximum limits, mandatory breaks, and proper compensation for work performed outside standard hours, is essential for any company employing staff in Slovakia. These rules are designed to protect employee well-being and ensure a balanced approach to work.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek Structure
The standard working time for an employee in Slovakia is generally limited to 40 hours per week. This standard workweek is typically spread over five working days. For employees working in specific conditions, such as those working with chemical carcinogens or biological agents, the standard working time is reduced to 37.5 hours per week.
The distribution of working hours throughout the week must comply with daily and weekly rest period requirements. The employer determines the weekly working time schedule, which must be communicated to employees in advance.
Overtime Regulations and Compensation
Overtime is defined as work performed by an employee upon the employer's instruction or with the employer's consent beyond the established weekly working time and performed outside the distribution of working time.
There are limits on the amount of overtime an employee can work:
- An employee may not work more than 8 hours of overtime per week on average over a period of four consecutive months.
- The maximum amount of overtime in a calendar year is 150 hours without the employee's consent.
- With the employee's consent, the total overtime in a calendar year can be up to 400 hours.
- For employees working in healthcare, the maximum overtime can be higher under specific conditions.
Overtime work must be compensated. Employees are entitled to their achieved wage and a premium for overtime work. The minimum premium rates are set by law:
| Type of Work | Minimum Premium (as % of average earnings) |
|---|---|
| Overtime | 25% |
| Overtime (Hazardous Work) | 35% |
Alternatively, the employer and employee can agree on providing compensatory time off for overtime worked instead of the premium. If compensatory time off is provided, it must be equal to the amount of overtime worked.
Rest Periods and Breaks
Slovak law mandates specific rest periods and breaks to ensure employee well-being:
- Daily Rest: An employee is entitled to an uninterrupted rest period of at least 12 hours within a 24-hour period. This can be reduced to 8 hours for employees over 18 in specific operations (e.g., continuous operations, shift work, urgent agricultural work) provided the subsequent rest period is extended.
- Weekly Rest: An employee is entitled to an uninterrupted rest period of at least 24 hours per week, preferably on a Sunday. Alternatively, the weekly rest can be at least 35 hours over a seven-day period. For employees in continuous operations or shift work, the weekly rest can be at least 24 hours provided the subsequent rest period is extended.
- Breaks: Employees are entitled to a break for rest and meals of at least 30 minutes after working a maximum of 6 hours continuously. This break is not included in the working time. If the work is interrupted for a break, the employee is not entitled to another break until another 6 hours of continuous work are completed. For employees working in specific conditions (e.g., with chemical carcinogens), the break is 45 minutes.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Work performed during the night shift (typically between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM) and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) is subject to specific regulations and compensation premiums.
- Night Work: An employee who regularly works at least 3 hours of their daily shift or at least 500 hours per year during the night is considered a night worker. Night workers are entitled to a premium in addition to their achieved wage. The minimum premium for night work is 20% of the minimum wage per hour.
- Weekend Work: Work performed on Saturday and Sunday is subject to mandatory premiums. The minimum premiums are:
- Saturday Work: 50% of the minimum wage per hour.
- Sunday Work: 100% of the minimum wage per hour.
These premiums are minimums, and collective agreements or employment contracts may stipulate higher rates.
Working Time Recording Obligations
Employers in Slovakia have a legal obligation to maintain accurate records of their employees' working time. This includes recording:
- The start and end time of the employee's working day.
- The duration of working time, including standard hours and overtime.
- Work performed during night shifts.
- Work performed on weekends and public holidays.
- Compensatory time off provided.
These records must be kept for a specified period (typically three years) and made available for inspection by relevant authorities. Proper record-keeping is essential for demonstrating compliance with working time regulations and correctly calculating wages and premiums.
