In Armenia, the standard working hours are regulated by the Labor Code of the Republic of Armenia (RA Labor Code). The key points are as follows:

• The standard workweek in Armenia is capped at 40 hours, with a daily maximum of 8 hours. This translates to a five-day workweek with eight hours per day.

• There are specific circumstances that may warrant variations. If at least three hours of the workday fall within nighttime hours (as determined by individual employment contracts), the daily working time is reduced by one hour.

It's important to note that employers and employees can negotiate flexible working arrangements as long as they adhere to the maximum weekly and daily working hour limitations set by the Labor Code.

In Armenia, labor law permits overtime work under specific regulations to ensure employee well-being and fair compensation.

The Labor Code of Armenia (RA Labor Code) sets limitations on overtime work. Overtime work on a single day cannot exceed four hours, and the total overtime worked in a week cannot surpass 120 hours per year. It's important to note that employers must obtain employee consent before assigning overtime work. Employees have the right to refuse overtime unless it falls under certain exceptions outlined in the Labor Code.

Armenian law also mandates increased pay for overtime work. Employees must be compensated at a rate of at least 150% of their regular salary for each hour of overtime work. There are exceptions where specific situations may have different compensation rates negotiated within individual employment contracts, provided they are no less favorable to the employee than the legal minimum.

Armenian labor law encourages rest periods and breaks for workers, although the specific regulations may slightly differ.

Daily Breaks

While the Armenian Labor Code doesn't explicitly mandate a specific rest or break period during the workday, it's common practice for Armenian workplaces to provide employees with a break of at least one hour. This break is typically unpaid and used for rest and meals. The specific duration and timing of breaks may be determined through individual employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements.

Weekly Rest

Sundays are designated as mandatory rest days for all employees in Armenia. This ensures a minimum of one full day of rest per week. In a standard five-day workweek, Saturdays typically serve as another rest day, resulting in a two-day weekend for most employees.

Certain sectors or critical situations may require employees to work on weekends. However, compensatory rest time or additional pay must be provided as outlined in the Labor Code.

In Armenia, labor law recognizes the unique challenges associated with night and weekend work.

When it comes to night shift work, the definition of "night hours" can vary depending on individual employment contracts. However, it's generally understood to encompass work performed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Night shift workers are entitled to a reduced work schedule compared to day workers. For every workday where at least three hours fall within night hours, the daily working time is reduced by one hour. This ensures night shifts don't exceed the standard eight-hour workday.

It's important to note that the Labor Code doesn't mandate a higher base salary specifically for night work. However, overtime compensation applies to night shifts just as it does for regular working hours. Employers must obtain employee consent before assigning night shifts, with some exceptions outlined in the Labor Code.

As for weekend work, working on Sundays is generally prohibited in Armenia. Exceptions can be made for specific sectors or critical situations, but compensatory rest time or additional pay must be provided as per the Labor Code. While not explicitly mandated as a rest day, Saturdays typically function as the second day of the weekend for most Armenian employees in a five-day workweek. However, similar to Sundays, employers can require Saturday work under exceptional circumstances with proper compensation.