Navigating the complexities of international labor laws is crucial for businesses expanding globally. In Lithuania, working time regulations are governed by the Labor Code, which sets clear standards for standard hours, overtime, rest periods, and other related aspects of employment. Understanding these rules is essential for ensuring compliance and fostering a fair working environment for employees.
These regulations aim to protect employee well-being by limiting excessive working hours and ensuring adequate rest. Employers operating in Lithuania must adhere strictly to these provisions to avoid potential legal issues and maintain positive employee relations.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek
The standard working time in Lithuania is set at 40 hours per week. This is typically distributed over a five-day workweek, with eight hours of work per day. However, the Labor Code allows for flexibility in scheduling, provided the average weekly working time over a reference period (usually one month) does not exceed 40 hours. For certain categories of employees or specific work arrangements, different limits may apply, but the 40-hour standard is the general rule.
The maximum daily working time, including overtime, generally cannot exceed 12 hours. The maximum weekly working time, including overtime, cannot exceed 48 hours over a reference period of seven consecutive days.
Overtime Regulations and Compensation
Overtime is defined as work performed beyond the standard working time at the employer's initiative or with the employee's consent. There are strict limits on the amount of overtime an employee can work. Generally, overtime cannot exceed 8 hours per week, unless agreed upon in a collective agreement. The total annual overtime for an employee cannot exceed 150 hours, although this limit can be increased up to 200 hours with the employee's written consent, or up to 230 hours if stipulated in a collective agreement.
Compensation for overtime work is mandated by law at increased rates:
| Type of Work | Minimum Compensation Rate (relative to standard hourly rate) |
|---|---|
| Overtime | 1.5 times the standard hourly rate |
| Overtime on rest days | 2 times the standard hourly rate |
| Overtime on holidays | 2.5 times the standard hourly rate |
Alternatively, overtime can be compensated with additional rest time equivalent to the overtime worked, provided there is a written agreement between the employer and the employee.
Rest Periods and Breaks
Lithuanian law mandates specific rest periods and breaks to ensure employee well-being.
- Breaks during the workday: Employees are entitled to a break for rest and meals, which must be granted no later than after four hours of work. The duration of this break must be at least 30 minutes and no longer than two hours. This break is not included in working time.
- Daily rest: The continuous daily rest period between working days must be at least 11 consecutive hours.
- Weekly rest: Employees are entitled to a continuous weekly rest period of at least 35 consecutive hours. This rest period should typically include Sunday. If the work schedule does not allow for a 35-hour continuous rest period, the minimum weekly rest must be at least 24 hours, provided the average weekly rest over a two-week period is at least 35 hours.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Work performed at night (between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.) is subject to specific regulations. The standard working time for employees working night shifts is reduced by one hour, unless the employee is working under a continuous work schedule or other exceptions apply. Compensation for night work is higher than for standard daytime work.
| Type of Work | Minimum Compensation Rate (relative to standard hourly rate) |
|---|---|
| Night work | 1.5 times the standard hourly rate |
| Weekend work | 1.5 times the standard hourly rate |
| Holiday work | 2 times the standard hourly rate |
Note that if weekend work is part of the employee's standard schedule (e.g., shift work), the 1.5x rate may not apply unless specified otherwise in a collective or employment agreement. The higher rates for weekend and holiday work apply when these days are not part of the employee's regular work schedule or when overtime is performed on these days.
Working Time Recording
Employers in Lithuania have a legal obligation to accurately record the working time of each employee. This includes recording the start and end times of the workday, as well as any overtime, night work, weekend work, and work on holidays. The method of recording can vary (e.g., electronic systems, timesheets), but it must be accurate and accessible for inspection by relevant authorities. Proper recording is crucial for calculating correct wages, ensuring compliance with working time limits, and demonstrating adherence to labor laws during inspections. These records must be kept for a specified period, typically three years, and provided to employees upon request.
