Working Hours and Overtime in Luxembourg

What Are the Standard Working Hours in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, the standard working hours are set at 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Employees are entitled to at least 11 consecutive hours of rest within each 24-hour period and a minimum of 44 consecutive hours of rest per week, typically including Sunday. The typical working hours for most employees are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.

Maximum Working Hours in Luxembourg

By law, employees in Luxembourg can work up to 10 hours per day and 48 hours per week. In exceptional cases, such as urgent work or unforeseen circumstances, the Minister of Labour may authorize a maximum of 12 hours per day, provided the weekly working time does not exceed 40 hours.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Certain sectors have specific working hour regulations:

• Healthcare and Emergency Services: These sectors may have different working hour arrangements based on operational needs.
 
• Hospitality and Retail: Employees in these industries may work beyond standard hours, especially during peak seasons.
 
• Transportation: Special regulations apply to drivers and operators to ensure safety and compliance with EU driving time rules.

These exceptions are typically governed by collective agreements or specific sectoral regulations.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Managerial employees or those with significant decision-making authority may not be subject to standard working hour regulations. Their working hours are often not fixed, and they may not be entitled to overtime compensation. However, this exemption depends on the nature of their role and responsibilities.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Luxembourg

The legal definition of full-time employment in Luxembourg is 40 hours per week. This applies across various industries and roles, ensuring consistency in employment contracts and labor agreements.

Overtime Regulations in Luxembourg

Overtime regulations in Luxembourg are designed to protect employees' rights while allowing flexibility for employers to meet business needs.

What Counts as Overtime in Luxembourg?

Overtime refers to any work performed beyond the standard 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. It must be specifically requested or authorized by the employer and cannot exceed 10 hours per day or 48 hours per week.

Maximum Overtime in Luxembourg

The maximum overtime allowed is 2 hours per day and 8 hours per week. In exceptional cases, the Minister of Labour may authorize a maximum of 12 hours per day, provided the weekly working time does not exceed 40 hours.

Overtime Payout Rates in Luxembourg

Overtime must be compensated either by paid time off at a rate of one hour plus half an hour of paid time off for each hour of overtime worked or credited at the same rate to a time-savings account. If compensation cannot be provided, employees are entitled to payment of their normal hourly wage plus a 40% supplement for each hour of overtime.

Rest Periods and Breaks in Luxembourg

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 11 consecutive hours of rest within each 24-hour period and a minimum of 44 consecutive hours of rest per week. If the 44-hour weekly rest period is not observed, employees are entitled to additional leave days.

For workdays exceeding six hours, employees must receive a break of at least 30 minutes, which may be split. The organization of meal breaks is typically within the employer's purview, subject to the opinion of the staff delegation and the Inspectorate of Labour and Mines.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night work is defined as any work performed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Employees who regularly work at least three hours of their daily working time during this period are considered night workers. Night workers are subject to specific health surveillance requirements and limitations on maximum daily working time.

Work on Sundays is generally prohibited unless authorized by the Inspection du Travail et des Mines (Labour and Mines Inspectorate). Employees working on Sundays are entitled to a 70% pay supplement and may receive compensatory rest for each hour worked.

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.