Working Hours and Overtime in Denmark

What Are the Standard Working Hours In Denmark?

For employees under 18, the legal limit is up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours per week. For adults aged 18 and over, the standard workweek is typically 37 hours under most employment contracts. If someone works more than six hours in a day, they're entitled to at least a 30-minute meal break. Standard workdays usually run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, though specific schedules can vary depending on the industry and collective agreements.

Maximum Working Hours in Denmark

Industry Specific Exceptions

Some fields, like healthcare, emergency services, and transport, operate under different rules due to the nature of their work. Employees in these sectors may work longer or more flexible shifts, often outlined in specialized agreements. These jobs commonly involve night shifts or weekend hours, which come with adjusted rest times and compensation.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Managers, or those with significant autonomy and decision-making power, may be exempt from some working hour limits or overtime rules, depending on their contracts and applicable agreements. Still, general guidelines on maximum hours and required rest periods remain in place to protect health and safety.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Denmark

A full-time job in Denmark usually means working 37 hours per week. This standard is widely accepted but can be adjusted through bargaining agreements. Part-time roles are also widespread and must be proportionally aligned with full-time jobs when it comes to rights and benefits.

Overtime Regulations in Denmark

Rather than being governed strictly by law, overtime in Denmark is mostly regulated through collective agreements. That said, protections are in place to ensure fair pay and adequate rest for workers.

What Counts As Overtime in Denmark?

Any work performed beyond the regular 37-hour week typically counts as overtime. This includes work done during evenings, weekends, or holidays if it falls outside the agreed-upon schedule.

Maximum Overtime In Denmark

There's no official cap on the number of overtime hours, but total weekly work, including overtime, should not average more than 48 hours over a 4-month period. Employers must observe rest requirements and are prohibited from enforcing unreasonable or excessive overtime. Failing to comply can result in fines and other penalties from labor authorities. Since July 1, 2024, employers are required to implement a system to measure employees' daily working hours to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Overtime Payout Rates In Denmark

How much employees earn for overtime often depends on the sector and is defined in collective agreements. A common rate is between 150-200% of the regular hourly wage (1.5-2x). Work on Sundays and public holidays usually earns higher pay or compensatory time off. Some industries also offer extra bonuses or leave options in place of overtime pay. While white-collar overtime is often included in base salary, blue-collar overtime compensation is usually paid, with details specified in collective agreements.

Rest Periods and Breaks In Denmark

Employees must receive at least 11 consecutive hours of rest during every 24-hour cycle. If the workday exceeds six hours, a minimum 30-minute break is required. In addition, workers are entitled to at least 35 hours of continuous rest each week, usually covering Sunday. Industries with nontraditional schedules have tailored rules to ensure proper rest.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night shifts are those that occur between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM. These roles come with additional health protections and, in many cases, higher pay. Night workers cannot work more than 8 hours in a 24-hour period on average over four months. Weekend work, especially on Sundays, is governed by collective agreements and often comes with premium wages. Employers must make sure that both night and weekend shifts comply with legal limits and provide sufficient rest time.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That's the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

• ‍Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
• Stay compliant: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for working hours, overtime regulations, and more.
• ‍Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.