Working hours and rest times

Your employees may not exceed a specific number of working hours per day and per week. They are also entitled to take regular breaks. These rules apply to everyone, including foreign employees and temporary personnel.

Are there any exceptions to the general rules for work and break times?

Certain employees, professions and working conditions correspond to exceptions and supplements to the general rules for work and break times. There are modified periods of rest, work and break times for children, youngsters, pregnant women or women who have recently given birth. This also applies to employees who work night shifts.

There are also supplementary sector-specific rules, within the care, mining and transport industries (and other sectors).

Can an employee work fewer or more hours?

If your employee wants to work fewer or more hours than is stipulated in the employment contract, you must always allow this. However, you do not have to allow this if you can demonstrate that your company would suffer serious consequences as a result.

Can your employee modify their working times after parental leave?

If your employee has used up all of their parental leave, they may request a temporary modification to working times for the period thereafter. Your employee must submit this request 3 months before the end of the parental leave period. You must decide 4 weeks before the end of the parental leave period.