Working Hours and Overtime in Greece

What Are the Standard Working Hours in Greece?

In Greece, the standard working hours are defined by labor laws to ensure fair working conditions for employees. Employees aged 16 and above are permitted to work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. For those aged 18 and older, the maximum is 9 hours per day and 45 hours per week. If an employee works more than 6 hours in a day, a minimum meal break of 15 minutes is mandatory. Typical working hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Maximum Working Hours in Greece

The legal cap on working hours in Greece is 9 hours per day and 45 hours per week for employees aged 18 and above. Exceptions allowing overtime are permitted under specific conditions, such as increased workload or continuous operations. Overtime work is subject to legal limits and must be compensated accordingly.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Certain industries in Greece have unique working hour regulations:

 
• Healthcare: Medical professionals may have extended shifts due to the nature of patient care.
 
• Transportation: Drivers and crew members may work longer hours to meet operational demands.

These exceptions differ from standard working hours and are subject to specific labor agreements and regulations.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Managerial and exempt employees in Greece are typically not subject to standard working hour regulations. They are often expected to fulfill their duties without strict adherence to daily or weekly hour limits. The definition of managerial or exempt employees is outlined in labor laws and collective agreements.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Greece

Statutory full-time employment in Greece is defined as 40 hours per week, typically distributed over five days, equating to 8 hours per day. This standard applies across various industries and roles, ensuring consistency in full-time employment expectations.

Overtime Regulations in Greece

What Counts as Overtime in Greece?

Overtime in Greece refers to work performed beyond the standard 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week for employees aged 16 and above. For those aged 18 and older, overtime applies to work exceeding 9 hours per day or 45 hours per week. Overtime work must be compensated at a higher rate than regular hours.

Maximum Overtime in Greece

The maximum allowable overtime in Greece is 150 hours per year, with a daily limit of 3 hours. Employers must adhere to these limits to comply with labor laws. Penalties for non-compliance can include fines and other legal consequences.

Overtime Payout Rates in Greece

Work exceeding the regular weekly hours is compensated as overtime, regulated by contracts or agreements. Daytime overtime is paid at 120.00% for the first hour, followed by 140% for the next two hours. Nighttime overtime is compensated at 125.00% for the first hour, followed by 140% for the next two hours. The yearly maximum for overtime hours is set at 150.

Rest Periods and Breaks in Greece

Employees in Greece are entitled to rest periods and breaks to ensure health and safety:

 
• Daily Rest: A minimum uninterrupted rest period of 11 hours within any 24-hour period.
 
• Weekly Rest: A minimum uninterrupted rest period of 24 hours within any 7-day period.
 
• Meal Breaks: For workdays exceeding 6 hours, a minimum meal break of 15 minutes is required.

Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with these rest period regulations.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Regulations for night shifts and weekend work in Greece include:

 
• Night Shifts: Defined as work performed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Employees working night shifts are entitled to additional compensation and specific health and safety protections.
 
• Weekend Work: Work performed on Sundays and public holidays is subject to higher compensation rates, as specified in labor laws.

Employers must adhere to these regulations to ensure fair treatment of employees working during these times.

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.