Working Hours and Overtime in Ukraine

What Are the Standard Working Hours in Ukraine?

In Ukraine, the standard working hours are set at 40 hours per week, typically distributed over five days, from Monday to Friday. Employees are generally expected to work eight hours each day. For those under 18, the maximum daily working hours are reduced, and they are prohibited from engaging in overtime, night, or weekend work.

Maximum Working Hours in Ukraine

The Labour Code of Ukraine stipulates that:

   
• Daily Working Hours: Employees should not exceed eight hours per day.
   
• Weekly Working Hours: The total working hours should not surpass 40 hours per week.
   
• Overtime: Overtime is permitted only in exceptional cases and requires prior approval from the trade union committee, if one exists within the company. Additionally, the total annual overtime should not exceed 120 hours.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Certain industries have specific regulations regarding working hours:

   
• Healthcare and Emergency Services: Employees in these sectors may have extended working hours due to the nature of their work. However, they are still entitled to rest periods and overtime compensation as per the Labour Code.
   
• Transportation: Workers in the transportation industry may be subject to different working hour regulations to ensure safety and compliance with international standards.

These exceptions are designed to accommodate the unique demands of each industry while ensuring employee rights are protected.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Managerial and exempt employees, such as executives, may have more flexible working hours. The Labour Code allows for variable working hours for these roles, which may not be subject to the standard overtime regulations. However, they are still entitled to certain protections under the law, including rest periods and annual leave.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Ukraine

Full-time employment in Ukraine is legally defined as working 40 hours per week. This standard applies across various industries and roles, ensuring consistency and fairness in employment practices.

Overtime Regulations in Ukraine

Overtime work in Ukraine is subject to specific regulations:

What Counts As Overtime in Ukraine?

Any work performed beyond the standard 40-hour workweek is considered overtime.

Maximum Overtime in Ukraine

Employees are allowed a maximum of four hours of overtime over two consecutive days, with an annual limit of 120 hours.

Overtime Payout Rates in Ukraine

Overtime work is compensated at a rate of 200% of the employee's regular hourly wage. This applies to overtime on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays. Employers must maintain accurate records of overtime hours worked to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Rest Periods and Breaks in Ukraine

Employees in Ukraine are entitled to:

   
• Daily Rest: A minimum of 12 hours between shifts.
   
• Weekly Rest: At least 42 consecutive hours of rest per week, typically on weekends.
   
• Meal Breaks: A break for rest and meals, typically lasting no less than 30 minutes and no more than two hours, depending on the duration of the workday.

These rest periods are essential for maintaining employee well-being and productivity.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night Work: Defined as work performed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Employees working night shifts are entitled to a premium, typically at least 20% above their regular hourly rate.

Weekend Work: Generally prohibited unless necessary to prevent accidents, perform urgent repairs, or carry out essential work that cannot be postponed. Compensation for weekend work is typically double the standard hourly rate or may be compensated with additional time off.

Employers must ensure that any night or weekend work complies with these regulations and that employees are adequately compensated.

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.