Armenia has specific regulations governing working hours, overtime, and rest periods to protect employee rights and ensure fair labor practices. Understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses operating in Armenia to maintain compliance and foster a positive work environment. The Labor Code of Armenia outlines the legal framework for working time, providing guidelines for standard hours, overtime compensation, and employee entitlements to rest.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of working time regulations in Armenia as of 2025, covering standard working hours, overtime rules, rest period entitlements, and employer obligations for recording working time.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek Structure
The standard working hours in Armenia are 40 hours per week. The typical workweek is structured around five working days, with two days off.
- Daily Limit: The standard daily working time generally cannot exceed 8 hours.
- Reduced Hours: For certain categories of employees, such as those under 18 years of age or those working in hazardous conditions, reduced working hours are mandated.
- Flexibility: While the standard is 40 hours, there can be flexibility in scheduling, provided it aligns with the Labor Code.
Overtime Regulations and Compensation Requirements
Overtime work is defined as work performed beyond the standard working hours established by law or the employment contract. Overtime is only permissible with the employee's written consent, except in cases of emergency or to prevent disruptions to essential services.
- Overtime Limits: Overtime work should not exceed 4 hours on two consecutive days or 120 hours per year.
- Compensation: Overtime work must be compensated at a rate no less than 1.5 times the employee's regular hourly rate.
- Record Keeping: Employers must maintain accurate records of all overtime work performed by employees.
| Overtime Scenario | Compensation Rate |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 1.5x regular rate |
| Weekends/Holidays | 2.0x regular rate |
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Employees are entitled to rest periods during the workday and between workdays to ensure their well-being and productivity.
- Daily Rest: Employees are entitled to a break for rest and meals during the working day. The duration of this break must be at least 30 minutes and no more than 2 hours.
- Daily Rest Between Shifts: The duration of the daily rest between the end of one workday and the start of the next must be at least 11 hours.
- Weekly Rest: Employees are entitled to at least one day of rest per week, typically on Sunday.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Specific regulations apply to night shifts and weekend work to protect employees working during these times.
- Night Shift: Night shift is defined as work performed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Employees working night shifts are entitled to additional compensation, typically at least 30% higher than their regular hourly rate. The duration of the night shift should be reduced by one hour compared to daytime shifts.
- Weekend Work: Work on weekends or public holidays is generally prohibited, except in cases where it is necessary due to the nature of the work or to prevent disruptions to essential services. Work on weekends and public holidays must be compensated at a rate no less than twice the employee's regular hourly rate.
Working Time Recording Obligations for Employers
Employers in Armenia have a legal obligation to accurately record the working time of their employees. This includes:
- Timekeeping System: Implementing a reliable timekeeping system to track the hours worked by each employee.
- Record Maintenance: Maintaining accurate records of working time, including regular hours, overtime hours, night shift hours, and weekend/holiday hours.
- Accessibility: Making these records available for inspection by labor authorities upon request.
- Payslips: Providing employees with payslips that clearly show the breakdown of their earnings, including any overtime or additional compensation for night shift or weekend work.
- Compliance: Ensuring that all working time records comply with the requirements of the Labor Code of Armenia.
