In Finland, working hours are governed by the Employment Contracts Act, which establishes clear guidelines to ensure a balanced work-life environment.
1. Standard Working Hours
The Employment Contracts Act stipulates that:
Maximum Working Hours: Employees should not exceed 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.
This framework is designed to promote healthy work-life balance and prevent excessive workloads.
2. Overtime Work Regulations
Overtime is permissible under Finnish law, but it is also regulated to protect employee rights:
Maximum Overtime: Employees may work a maximum of 250 hours of overtime per year.
3. Compensation for Overtime
Compensation for overtime is structured to ensure fair pay for additional hours worked:
During the Week:
For the first 2 hours of overtime in a day, employees are entitled to receive 150% of their regular salary or an equivalent amount of time off.
For any overtime hours beyond the initial 2, employees earn 200% of their regular salary or can choose time off.
On Sundays: Overtime worked on Sundays is compensated at 200% of the regular salary. This higher rate acknowledges the significance of Sunday as a day of rest for many employees.